Firefighters have issued a reminder about the importance of smoke alarms following a fire at a residential block of flats on Ellisfield Drive in Putney.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the fire, which completely destroyed a balcony and damaged half of a three-roomed flat on the first floor of the 12-storey building. There are no reports of any injuries.
Fire investigators believe there were no smoke alarms at the property. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
“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.”
The Brigade was called at 1451 and the fire was under control by 1541. Crews from Wandsworth, Fulham, Richmond and New Malden fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and is under investigation.