Firefighters are offering advice for using extension leads safely after a house converted into flats caught fire on Carson Road in Dulwich.
A maisonette on the first floor and a loft conversion in the two-storey semi-detached house were destroyed by the blaze.
Four people left the building before the arrival of the Brigade. Two men were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a fault in an extension lead.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Overloaded sockets are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Some electrical appliances use more power than others, so be mindful of not overloading your extension leads.
“Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn't be on the same extension. It's also important to fully unwind drum extensions leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.”
The Brigade was called at 2332 and the fire was under control by 0100. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from West Norwood and Brixton fire stations attended the scene.
Our advice for using extension leads safely:
• Some appliances use more power than others, so be mindful of not overloading your extension leads. Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn't be on the same extension.
• Always use a fused ‘inline’ type – not the plug-in cube type – but be really careful not to overload it. This is all too easy if you add extra adaptors/extensions, or appliances that use lots of power like kettles, tumble dryers or heaters.
• It's also important to fully unwind drum extensions leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.