Firefighters are reminding people of their white goods safety advice after a flat fire on Ranelagh Gardens in Fulham.
Part of a five-roomed flat on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led a man to safety via an internal staircase using a fire escape hood. One man was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and involved a fridge freezer.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If your white goods start making a strange noise, don’t ignore it. If you think there’s a problem always unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.
“It’s important to make sure you register your appliances as you’ll be informed if any issues are identified with the product you’ve bought.
“This incident also shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms inside your home. The residents, who were asleep at the time, were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms sounding.
“You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, for example any room where appliances are plugged in, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen.”
The Brigade was called at 0250 and the fire was under control by 0345. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wandsworth, Fulham, Chelsea, Hammersmith and Battersea fire stations attended the scene.