Firefighters are urging people to keep electric and portable heaters away from clothing and bedding after a fire at a house converted into flats in Cambridge Park, Twickenham this morning.
Half of a flat on the second floor and part of a flat on the third floor were damaged by fire.
One man left the building before the arrival of the Brigade and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was due to bedding coming into contact with an electric heater.
Dan Daly, the Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, said: "Fires involving heaters can be easily prevented if people take some sensible, common sense precautions.
“Steps like keeping flammable items, such as curtains, blankets and furniture well away from heaters can make all the difference. It’s also important not to sit too close to them, especially if you’re likely to fall asleep.”
1. Keep heaters away from clothes, curtains and furniture
2. Don’t put anything on the heater or use it to dry or warm clothes
3.Secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters
You can read about how to stay safe using heaters here.
The Brigade was called at 0533 and the fire was under control at 0720. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Richmond, Twickenham and Heston fire stations attended the scene.