Firefighters rescue two people from flat fire - Stockwell

Firefighters are warning never to leave cooking unattended after rescuing two people from a flat fire on Lingham Street in Stockwell.

Part of a four-roomed flat on the 15^th floor of the building was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one woman and a man, who were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire was discovered when the resident smelt burning and found the fire in the kitchen. They then called 999.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by cooking which was left unattended on an electric hob.

Station Commander, David Bracewell, who was at the scene, said: “On arrival, crews were met by a resident who stated the fire was on the 15^th floor. Crews entered the flat and found one resident in the living room and another resident in a bedroom who were both brought to safety.

“Initial crews did a fantastic job to quickly enter the property and rescue both the residents.

“Fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home.

"Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill - if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.”

Practical steps for safer cooking:

• Don’t leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
• Not feeling 100%? Order a takeaway – if you're very tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that might make you drowsy, it's safer not to risk it.
• Be fabric aware – loose clothing can easily catch fire, so take care not to lean over a hot hob, and always keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.

The Brigade was called at 1520 and the fire was under control by 1630. Five fire engines and around 35  firefighters from Brixton, Clapham, Lambeth and Peckham fire stations attended the scene.