Firefighters on their way back from a large house fire in Chiswick saved residents from a separate flat fire.
The crew from Paddington Fire Station had finished at the large house fire on Park Road in Chiswick on Thursday, 29 December. Whilst driving back to their station they noticed a flickering flame in a first floor window of a block of flats on Church Path in Chiswick.
Station Officer Chris Haggar said: “Three students were in the flat at the time eating in the room next door completely unaware their flat was alight. Firefighters entered the flat via the first floor window and quickly put the fire out and assisted residents out of the property.
“We believe that the fire was caused by candles left unattended and catching fire to clothing. Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.
“The residents had no idea of the fire as their smoke alarms were not working. Make it your new years resolution to install smoke alarms and test them regularly. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.”
Firefighters noticed the fire and called for further resources at 2030 and the fire was under control by 2050.