A man has tragically died after a fire broke out in a first-floor flat on Venner Road, Lewisham, in the early hours of Tuesday, February 18.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) was alerted to the blaze at 5:54 AM, prompting a swift response from fire crews. Four fire engines from Beckenham, Forest Hill, West Norwood, and Bromley fire stations were dispatched to the scene.
While the fire was quickly brought under control, with the incident declared over by 7:16 AM, a man was found inside the flat and treated on-site by London Ambulance Service (LAS) paramedics. He was subsequently taken to hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
LFB confirmed that only a small part of the flat was damaged by the fire, but the circumstances surrounding how the blaze started are still under investigation.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said, “Despite the rapid response of our crews and the efforts of London Ambulance Service, this incident has had a tragic outcome. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.”
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators are working alongside local authorities to determine the cause of the fire. No other injuries were reported, and surrounding flats were safely evacuated as a precaution during the incident.
Lewisham Council and local support services are offering assistance to residents in the area, and London Fire Brigade has reminded the public of the importance of fire safety in homes.
Fire Safety Reminder
Following the incident, LFB issued a reminder to residents about basic fire safety precautions, such as ensuring smoke alarms are installed and regularly tested, and knowing escape routes in the event of a fire.
For more information on fire safety, residents are encouraged to visit the London Fire Brigade website or use their Home Fire Safety Checker tool to assess risks in their homes.
Authorities are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the fire or anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.
