Last updated: 03/09/2020, 11:45 AM

House fire – East Greenwich

02/09/2020 16:30
Greenwich
House or flat fire
)

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a house fire on Woodland Terrace in Charlton.

Half of the first floor of the three-storey terraced house was damaged by the fire.

Three people left the property before the arrival of the Brigade. Fortunately, smoke alarms in the property alerted the residents to the fire and they were able to get out of the property. There were no injuries reported.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "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.

"Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the biggest causes of fire within homes. Always keep an eye on these items to keep you and your home safe.”

The Brigade was called at 1630 and the fire was under control by 1719. Fire crews from East Greenwich and Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.

 

10 tips to get your fire alarm system sorted

  1. A single smoke alarm isn't enough.
  2. Consider everyone's needs – if there's any reason there might be a delay in noticing or escaping from a fire, seek extra help.
  3. Make sure any alarms you buy are marked with a current British Standards or European (CE) safety mark, which shows they are approved and safe.
  4. Fit smoke alarms on a ceiling (or high up on a wall, if the instructions state it is suitable for wall mounting).
  5. Make sure you fit an appropriate alarm in every room where there's a fire risk.
  6. Follow the instructions that come with the alarm when it comes to installation– they all work in different ways.
  7. Screw don't glue – if you use glue, it can seep into the alarm, and stop it working. 
  8. Fit your smoke alarms away from kitchens or bathrooms as steam can damage the alarm, or set it off by mistake.
  9. Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen.
  10. Choose smoke alarms with a 10 year or long-lasting sealed battery.

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