As Fire Brigade warns about regularly checking smoke alarms
Four people had a lucky escape from a fire at a house on Wincanton Road in Southfields yesterday morning when a resident smelt smoke and alerted the other flatmates. The Brigade believes that the smoke alarm on the first floor failed to activate.
The occupants left the property before the arrival of the Brigade and two men were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
Most of the top floor loft conversion and part of the first floor was damaged by fire.
A Brigade spokesperson highlights the importance of checking smoke alarms work, “There were no working smoke alarms in the property. Thankfully one person smelt the smoke and raised the alarm but sadly that isn’t always the case so it’s vital that you test them regularly.
"Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home."
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Wandsworth, Fulham, Wimbledon and Tooting fire stations attended the blaze.
The Brigade was called just after 7am and the fire was under control by 8.25am. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
February 19, 2016