A smoke alarm fitted by the London Fire Brigade two years ago saved the lives of a family of 15 last night.
The fire was in the ground floor bedroom of the semi detached property on Church Road in Hounslow.
Watch Manager Nigel Murray who was the scene, said: “It was a large family home and when we turned up the bed, curtains and carpet of a ground floor bedroom was well alight.
“Fortunately, a smoke alarm we had fitted in the property two years ago alerted them to the fire. One of the occupants saw the smoke coming from the room and remembered the advice we had given her to close the doors before getting everyone out and calling the Brigade.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the smoke alarm saved their lives and prevented the family from sustaining injuries. This incident shows that smoke alarms really do save lives. The London Fire Brigade fits smoke alarms for free, so if you can’t get hold of one yourself, arrange a home fire safety visit and we will come to your home, talk about fire safety and fit alarms where necessary.”
Part of the ground floor was damaged in the blaze.
Two fire engines from Heston fire station attended the incident.
The Brigade was called at 1936 and the fire was under control at 2008. The cause of the fire is under investigation.