Flat fire - Westminster

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat on Marsham Street in Westminster.

Part of a three-roomed flat on the fifth floor of the building was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The fire was discovered by a neighbour in a flat above who heard a smoke alarm sounding. They notified the concierge who called the Brigade.

"This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms. Thankfully, smoke alarms fitted inside the property were able to give the earliest possible warning to the fire, providing time to escape. 

“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 tested regularly."

Smoke and fire alarm must-knows

• Don't just fit a smoke alarm in your hall and landing – also fit them in any room where a fire can start.
• Fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen will give you warning of an increase in temperature caused by a fire but will not be set off by cooking fumes. 
• Some battery or mains alarms can be interlinked, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together, giving you warning wherever you are in your home. 
• If you choose to have a mains-powered alarm, make sure it's installed by a qualified electrician.

The Brigade was called at 1633 and the fire was under control by 1744. Fire crews from Lambeth, Soho and Dowgate fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.