An older man was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus from a fire in his three room basement flat on Geraldine Road, Wandsworth, SW18 last night.
The man was suffering from severe smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire damaged a small part of the lounge. The Brigade was called at 2239 and the fire was under control by 2314. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Wandsworth and Tooting fire stations were on the scene.
Crew manager Tom Clark from Wandsworth fire station, who was at the scene, said: “Unfortunately the flat didn’t have any smoke alarms. It’s essential to have a smoke alarm on each level of your home as they provide a vital early warning if a fire breaks out and allow you to escape more quickly. Smoke alarms save lives so I’d urge everyone to go out and get one today.”
The Brigade said that many fire related deaths are caused by people being overcome by smoke and fumes, not just burns. Therefore, a working smoke alarm is essential. It provides vital early warning and extra time to escape if there is a fire. They cost around £10 and can be bought at most supermarkets, DIY stores and electrical equipment shops.
More information on smoke alarms can be found on the Brigade’s website here: http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/SmokeAlarms.asp
