Last updated: 19/02/2020, 1:27 PM

Maisonette fire - Leytonstone

18/02/2020 19:02
Waltham Forest
House or flat fire
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Firefighters are praising the quick reactions of a resident when a fire broke out at a maisonette in Leytonstone and are reminding Londoners to get out, stay out and call 999 if a fire breaks out inside your home. 

Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a fire on Langthorne Road, Leytonstone. The resident was alerted to the fire by the smell of burning and immediately left the property and called the Brigade. Their quick reactions meant that any injuries were prevented.

In around 57% of all injuries that occurred as a result of a fire in 2019, there was a delay in calling 999. Senior Operations Manager, Adam Crinion, said: “In the very early stages of an emergency incident, the number of calls our control officers receive can impact on the number of fire engines initially sent to a scene. The quicker you call us, the quicker we can send fire engines to an incident.” 

In the event of a fire inside your flat:

  • Don’t waste time investigating what is happening or rescuing valuables- get out, stay out, close the door behind you and call 999
  • If you smell burning or your smoke alarms go off, never assume it’s a false alarm
  • Before you open a door check if it is warm with the back of your hand. If it is, don’t open the door- there may be a fire on the other side
  • Move as quickly but as safely as you can as you exit the building
  • Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them
  • Do not use the lift
  • Close doors behind you to slow down the spread of fire and smoke
  • Call 999 as soon as you are safe to do so- give your address and state which floor the fire is on
  • Never go back into the building once you are safely outside

A small part of the kitchen inside a four roomed maisonette was damaged by the fire. 

The Brigade was called at 1902 and the fire was under control by 1928. Fire crews from Leytonstone, Stratford, Leyton and Homerton fire stations attended the scene. 

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and involved a faulty toaster. 

If you are concerned about fire safety or need advice on planning an escape route, book a free home fire safety visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/

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