A fire in three wheelie bins spread to a block of flats on Hampton Road West in Feltham this morning.
Three bins were completely destroyed by the blaze. The fire spread to cabling fixed to the outside of the block of flats. Smoke entered the communal landings and part of the roof was damaged.
The Brigade is reminding people about their Know the Plan campaign that tells people what to do if there is a fire in their block of flats.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“It’s incidents like this that show how important it is to know what to do if there is a fire and you live in a flat or a purpose built block. This fire caused smoke to travel into the communal areas of the building and many of the people who evacuated did so through the smoke. If there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you're usually safer staying in your flat unless heat or smoke is affecting you. Flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire – a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60. Walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a time. If you leave your flat you could be rushing into choking smoke, the fire itself or firefighters using equipment to bring the fire under control in another part of the building.
“Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house, but it's important to know that your fire plan should be different.
“The fire knocked the power out and this in turn stalled the lift which must have been terrifying for the woman and children stuck in it. Crews worked quickly to get them and it’s important to stress that they were unaware of the fire when they entered the lift but it does show what could happen if you try to use a lift in the event of a fire. You could end up trapped and you should always use the stairs”
Around 60 people self evacuated the block before the Brigade arrived.
The Brigade was called at 0309 and the fire was under control by 0420. Fire crews from Feltham and Twickenham fire stations attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.