Flat fire - Catford

Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above a shop on Catford Hill in Catford.

Part of a four-roomed flat on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire. One woman left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led one man to safety using a fire escape hood. He was assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

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 fire was discovered by a member of the public who was working opposite the building and saw flames and smoke at the window on the first floor.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by textiles coming into contact with a heater.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes.

“It’s also important to always sit at least a metre away from the heater, as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair.”

Firefighters’ tips for using heaters safely

• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Check that your heater isn't on a recall list – there have been many fires in the past year due to heaters that have been recalled.
• Never install, repair or service appliances yourself. Make sure anyone who does is a registered professional.
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's sparking, wires are loose or if it’s showing signs of damage, replace it with a new one or get it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.
• Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.

The Brigade was called at 1437 and the fire was under control by 1517. Fire crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham and Lee Green fire stations attended the scene.