Firefighters are urging people to make sure they have working smoke alarms following a flat fire in Winstanley Road, Battersea.
Part of a 13th floor flat was damaged by the fire. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 25 calls about the fire. Around 50 people evacuated the building and there were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by a faulty fan heater which caught bedding alight.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The occupant had a lucky escape after they discovered the fire and they did the right thing in getting out quickly.
“Firefighters discovered that one of the smoke alarms in the flat had been removed from the ceiling which is an important reminder about the importance of having working smoke alarms.
“You should never remove them or take out the batteries and they should be tested regularly to make sure they are working.
“Homes need multiple 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.
“This fire is also a timely reminder to take care when using electric heaters. They need to be standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”
The Brigade was called at 1307 and the fire was under control at 1404. Fire crews from Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, Chelsea, Fulham, Tooting, Lambeth, and Brixton fire stations attended the scene.