Sydenham Flat Blaze: Woman and Kids Hospitalised After Night-Time Fire
A woman and two children were rushed to hospital after a fierce flat fire tore through a residential block in Sydenham late Monday night, sparking a major emergency response.
Flames Break Out Late on Mountacre Close
The blaze erupted around 10:10pm on February 24 on Mountacre Close, near Sydenham Hill. The fire gutted half of a ground-floor storage room, sending thick smoke billowing through the building and trapping residents inside.
Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters from Forest Hill, West Norwood, Beckenham, and Woodside rushed to the scene. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) battled the fire for over two hours, finally dousing the flames by 12:31am.
Nine Rescued from Smoke-Filled Flats
LFB crews rescued nine people, including four children, from the smoke-choked building. Paramedics from London Ambulance Service treated all evacuees on site, but a woman and two children suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Residents on the first floor first spotted the danger upon hearing crackling sounds at the back of the building. With smoke filling the stairwell, they called 999 and stayed put until firefighters arrived. LFB Control Officers received six emergency calls and provided life-saving advice to those trapped in two flats.
Fire Escape Hoods Save Lives
Firefighters used specialist escape hoods to lead the trapped residents to safety. Introduced by the LFB in 2018 after the Grenfell Tower disaster, these hoods offer up to 15 minutes protection against deadly fire gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
“The hoods offer vital protection in smoke-filled environments, giving firefighters more time to rescue residents and increasing survival chances in dangerous situations,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
Investigation Underway, Public Urged to Help
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police Service. Authorities praised the quick thinking of residents and the rapid emergency response for preventing worse injuries.
Firefighters remind everyone to have working smoke alarms and know their evacuation plans. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the London Fire Brigade or the Metropolitan Police Service.
