London Fire Brigade’s 999 control officers gave vital fire survival guidance to three residents who became trapped after a fire broke out at a sheltered accommodation block in Sutton Way, Ladbroke Grove.
The blaze started in the ground floor corridor of the four-storey building. A mobility scooter was gutted in the blaze and the corridor was also damaged by fire.
The Brigade was called after smoke entered one of the ground floor flats and the smoke alarm sounded and alerted residents.
Three residents who were unable to leave their flats were given fire survival guidance over the phone by the Brigade’s control officers.
Control officers told the residents to block their doors to stop smoke from coming in to their properties and to go to an open window. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led the three people to safety.
A further 10 people left the building before the arrival of the Brigade.
Watch manager Rob Edwards, who was at the scene, said: “It is important to stay on the line after making the initial emergency report because our control officers can give you advice on how to stay safe if you cannot escape a fire.
“Crews worked quickly to get the fire under control and their quick actions stopped the fire from spreading in to the flats.
“If you live in a block of flats, it is important to keep communal hallways and staircases free from clutter, including mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
“Storing items in communal areas can block residents’ escape routes if they need to get out and hamper our firefighters who are trying to tackle the fire or reach people if they need rescuing.”
Eight people were treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service, with two taken to hospital.
The Brigade was called at 0229 and the fire was under control at 0433. Fire crews from North Kensington and Hammersmith fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.