Nearly 60 firefighters and officers dealt with a fire in a flat on Mansfield Road Gospel Oak this evening.
One flat on the second floor was badly damaged by the fire but nobody was in the flat at the time of the fire. A small section of a flat on the third and fourth floor was also damaged by the fire.
One man was treated by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.
Several people who where in the hallways, stairwells and common parts of the block were told to evacuate whereas those who where in their flats and smoke or heat was not affecting them were told to stay in their flat.
Station Manager Wayne Johnson who was at the scene said:
“It is incidents like this which show how important it is to know what to do in the event of a fire, especially if you live in a flat. If there is a fire in another part of your building while you are inside your purpose-built flat or maisonette, and you're not affected by the fire stay put and call 999.
“There is lots of helpful advice on our website which explains what to do in the event of a fire. I would also urge everyone to fit smoke alarms in their homes and test them regularly.”
The cause is under investigation by the Brigade and the police.
Fire safety in purpose built flats and maisonettes is dependent upon good maintenance and housekeeping. Residents should know the following:
• All flat front doors and doors on corridors and staircases must be ‘self closing’ fire doors.
• Fire doors must not be held or wedged open as they are designed to stop the spread of fire.
• Things must not be stored in corridors or staircases as this can block escape routes and stop firefighters doing their job.
• Information about what to do in the event of a fire is understood and easily available
• You know who your landlord is and how to contact them*.
Our full advice to people who live in a purpose-built flat or maisonette is on our website but in summary we say:
• If the fire is actually inside your flat or maisonette, leave immediately and call 999.
• If there is a fire or smoke inside your flat or maisonette and your escape route is NOT clear, it may be safer to stay in your flat or maisonette until the fire brigade arrives.
• Find a safe room close the door and use soft materials to block any gaps to stop the smoke. Go to a window, shout “HELP, FIRE” and call 999.
• If there is a fire in another part of your building while you are inside your purpose-built flat or maisonette, and you're not affected by the fire stay put and call 999.
• You are usually safer staying put in your own flat or maisonette unless heat or smoke is affecting you.
• A self-contained, purpose-built flat or maisonette will typically give you between 30 and 60 minutes protection from fire.
• Fit smoke alarms in every room. Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning and can allow extra time to escape if there is a fire in your home.
• Always make sure you have an escape plan in place and that everyone in your home knows what to do in an emergency.
There is more detailed advice here:
The Brigade has received around 30 calls to their 999 control room about the fire.
8 fire engines from stations including Kentish Town and surrounding stations were at the incident.
The Brigade was called at 2055 and the fire was under control at 2134 although crews are expected to be damping down for some time.