Firefighters rescued four people from a flat fire on Acre Lane in Brixton late last night, including one man saved from a second-floor window using a nine-metre ladder.
The blaze, which damaged part of a ground-floor hallway, broke out shortly before midnight. Crews from Brixton, Clapham, and Peckham fire stations responded swiftly with four fire engines and around 25 firefighters.
Heroic Rescues
One man was rescued from the second floor with the help of a ladder, while two additional men and a woman were safely evacuated via the internal staircase using fire escape hoods. The London Ambulance Service transported all four individuals to the hospital for treatment.
Fire Escape Hoods: A Lifesaving Innovation
The use of fire escape hoods highlights London Fire Brigade’s commitment to enhanced safety measures following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Introduced in 2018, these hoods provide up to 15 minutes of protection from toxic fire gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
Designed to aid both conscious and unconscious individuals, the hoods temporarily filter harmful smoke, making breathing easier during rescues. If additional time is needed, the wearer can be given a replacement hood.
Incident Timeline
The London Fire Brigade was called to the scene at 11:56 pm, with the fire brought under control by 1:27 am. The swift response limited the damage to the hallway and ensured all residents were rescued safely.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.
Stay Safe
Residents are reminded to ensure smoke alarms are functioning and to familiarize themselves with building evacuation plans to stay safe in emergencies.
