A smoke alarm fitted by firefighters helped save the lives of a mother and young baby whose house filled with smoke.
The fire is believed to have started in a bedroom on the ground floor on Hercules Road, Lambeth on Friday afternoon. Firefighters contained the fire to the bedroom.
Crew Manager Steve Howlett at Lambeth Fire Station said:
“The door to the bedroom was open and a large amount of smoke filled the house. A mother and baby were upstairs when the smoke alarm installed by firefighters two years ago sounded. They were able to get out quickly and call 999.
“Green watch had carried out a home fire safety visit at this address in 2010 and without the smoke alarm we fitted at the time this incident could have been a lot worse. It's really important that everyone has at least one working smoke alarm in their home. As shown in this case, it gives you a vital early warning of a fire.”
The Brigade was called at 1328 and the fire was under control by 1348. Two fire engines and 10 firefighters from Lambeth and Old Kent Road Fire Station attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
If you would like more information on fire safety or how to book a home fire safety visit please go to http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/SafetyAtHome.asp.
