Firefighters rescued a woman and three children from a flat fire on Leila Parnell Place in Charlton.
Part of a four-roomed flat on the third floor of the building was damaged by fire. One woman left the flat before the Brigade arrived and was treated on scene scene by London Ambulance Service crews. A further eight people also left the building before the Brigade arrived.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued another woman and three children from a third floor flat via an internal staircase using fire escape hoods.
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 caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
Station Commander Robert Collins, who was at the scene, said: “We arrived at the scene to find a fire in the bedroom of a flat and a smoke logged communal area. Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the property.
“Our 999 Control Officers gave vital fire survival guidance to a woman and three children inside the building on how to stay safe before crews arrived and rescued them.
“We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.”
Safety advice for smokers:
• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
• Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.
The Brigade was called at 2051 and the fire was under control by 2211. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Plumstead, East Greenwich and Eltham fire stations attended the scene.