Flat fire - Old Kent Road

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a flat on Old Kent Road in Southwark.

Most of the three-roomed flat on the second floor of a residential block with a shop below was damaged by the blaze. Fire crews used an aerial ladder appliance to gain a better view of the fire as they worked to stop it spreading to neighbouring flats.

Two women and one man left the property before the Brigade arrived. One of the women was assessed at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

Station Commander Verona Clarke, who was at the scene, said: “Fire crews worked very hard to contain this fire and fortunately, there were no injuries.”

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by a fault within lithium ion batteries inside the property.

Firefighters' safety tips for using lithium-ion batteries safely

• Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
• Protect batteries against being damaged – that's crushed, punctured or immersed in water.
• Don’t leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete
• When you travel, avoid keeping all your items containing lithium ion batteries together, especially on a plane. Check with your flight carrier for additional information or advice.

The Brigade was called at 0817 and the fire was under control by 0942. Fire crews from Old Kent Road, Peckham and Dockhead fire stations attended the scene.