Firefighters are urging people to make sure they have working smoke alarms following a flat fire last night on Hurstmead Court in Edgware.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “There were no smoke alarms in the flat and the occupant had a lucky escape as they smelt burning and discovered a fire in the bedroom otherwise this could have had a very different outcome. The resident did the right thing in getting out quickly and around 20 other occupants evacuated the block without injury.
“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be tested regularly."
Half of the flat and part of the roof were damaged by fire.
The Brigade was called at 2306 and the fire was under control at 0045. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Stanmore, Mill Hill, Hendon, and Enfield fire stations attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.