Firefighters rescued a man and a pregnant woman from a fire at a block of flats on Lind Road in Sutton last night.
The Brigade’s 999 control officers gave the pair vital fire survival guidance over the phone until crews arrived to rescue them. They were unable to leave the property because there was no visibility in the hallway due to low smoke levels. They were both treated for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service.
Watch Manager Nick Davis who was at the scene, said: “I committed a BA crew that led the occupants to safety. The occupant in the flat opposite self evacuated before we arrived, but other residents in the block were advised to stay in their flats.
“Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different. 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 quarter of a five roomed flat on the second floor was damaged by fire.
Watch Manager Davis added: “The fire started in an airing cupboard in the hallway and spread to the loft void.
There was quite a lot of smoke on arrival and the crews worked hard to bring the fire under control quickly.”
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Sutton, Mitcham, Wallington attended the incident.
The Brigade was called at 2328 and the fire was brought under control at 0041. The cause of the fire is under investigation.