A family had a lucky escape from a severe blaze at their home on Hereward Gardens in Southgate last night.
There was no battery in their ground floor smoke alarm. The fire was spotted by one of the children from their bedroom window. Two adults and two children evacuated the property, thankfully without injury.
The fire started in the conservatory and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“A batteryless smoke alarm is no use to anyone.
“Homes need multiple and linked smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be linked together and tested regularly.”
Half of the ground floor and part of the first floor was damaged by fire. The fire spread into the roof and has left the home uninhabitable.
The Brigade was called at 2015 and the fire was under control at 2220. Fire crews from Tottenham and Edmonton fire stations attended the scene.