Firefighters are today reminding Brentford residents living in purpose built flats about the importance of knowing their fire safety plan following a fire in Kew Bridge Road this morning.
There was a small fire in the electrical room on the ground floor producing smoke that went into the corridors and a some flats.
Watch Manager Alan Moore, who was at the scene said:
“The people who had smoke in their flats did absolutely the right thing of getting out in a quick and orderly fashion. However, there were a number of other people who evacuated when they would have been safer staying inside their property.
“Flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire – a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60. Walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a time. If there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you're usually safer staying in your flat unless heat or smoke is affecting you.”
A woman and a young baby left a smoke affected flat before fire crews arrived. They were suffering from smoke inhalation and treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. Another man and a woman were led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
The Brigade was called at 0246 and the fire was under control by 0501. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Acton, Chiswick, Heston and Richmond fire stations attended the incident.
London Fire Brigade has launched a major new safety campaign designed to improve awareness of fire safety for the residents of high rise buildings and purpose built blocks and to encourage landlords and housing providers to act on their fire safety responsibilities. To find out more visit www.knowtheplan.co.uk