House fire - New Malden

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a house fire on Kingston Road in New Malden. 

The ground floor, first floor and roof of a mid-terraced house were destroyed by fire. Part of the fascia of a neighbouring property was also damaged by the blaze. A man left the building before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

One of the Brigade's new 32-metre turntable ladders was mobilised to the scene and was used as a water tower, allowing firefighters to get water onto the fire externally.

The fire is believed to have been caused by combustible items too close to an open fire. 

Safety tips for log burners and open fires

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
• Always have your chimney swept by a specialist – at least once a year for coal, twice if burning logs.
• Make sure you use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
• Before you go to bed, make sure fires or hot embers are under control and guarded.
• Store logs away from solid fuel burners – radiated heat can cause them to burn.
• Keep clothing and fabric well away from open fires and log burners.
  Watch out for children and pets – supervise them carefully, and use fire guards.

The Brigade was called at 0837 and the fire was under control by 1030. Fire crews from New Malden, Surbiton, Kingston, Wimbledon and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.