Flat fire - Lambeth

Firefighters rescued a man from a flat fire on Whitgift Street in Lambeth.

 A small part of the kitchen of a four-roomed flat on the first floor of a residential block was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. Crews rescued another man who was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers gave fire survival guidance to residents inside the flat on how to stay safe before firefighters arrived.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by cooking left unattended.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill - if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.

“If you're feeling very tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that might make you drowsy, it's safer not to risk it.”

The Brigade was called at 1619 and the fire was under control by 1710. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Lambeth and Dowgate Fire Stations attended the scene.

Practical steps for safer cooking:

• Don't leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill
• Be fabric aware – loose clothing can easily catch fire, so take care not to lean over a hot hob, and always keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Avoid keeping items such as toasters under cupboards or in contact with combustibles such as tea towels or kitchen roll to prevent heat build up (and possibly fire).
• Always keep an eye on children and pets in the kitchen: don't leave them unsupervised; put matches away; and keep saucepan handles out of reach.