House fire - Feltham

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a house fire on Guildford Avenue in Feltham. 

Most of the ground floor of a mid-terraced house was alight. Crews are expected to remain on scene this afternoon.

Station Commander Steven Vydelingum, who was at the scene said: "There were no people inside the house at the time. 

"Firefighters worked hard in challenging, hot conditions to bring the fire under control."

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 17 calls to the blaze.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. 

The Brigade was called at 1403 and the fire was under control by 1525. Fire crews from Feltham, Hayes, Twickenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. 

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 armchairs 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