Flat fire - Shepherd's Bush

Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Netherwood Road in Shepherd’s Bush in the early hours of this morning.

A small part of a ground floor flat, in a four storey house converted into flats, was destroyed by fire.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man from the flat. The man was suffering from burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

Station Officer Mark Baker, who was at the scene, said: "Crews worked hard to tackle the blaze.

"There were a lot of possessions and clutter inside the flat which made it challenging for firefighters.

"Fortunately crews were able to rescue the occupant, but hoarding means exit routes can become blocked, making evacuation more difficult.

"Fires can also spread much faster, especially when there are lots of flammable items such as newspapers or cardboard."

The Brigade was called at 0051 and the incident was over by 0136. Fire crews from Hammersmith, Kensington and Fulham fire stations were at the scene.

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

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.