Major Fire Erupts at Battersea’s Holcroft House
Over 50 firefighters and multiple fire engines rushed to Holcroft House, an eight-storey apartment block on Ingrave Street, Battersea, this evening. Flames tore through the seventh floor shortly after 6pm on Thursday, sparking a serious emergency response.
Smoke and Flames Trigger Mass Rescue
Fire crews battled a fierce blaze that destroyed an entire four-room flat on the seventh floor. One woman and two men were rescued wearing smoke hoods, thanks to firefighters in breathing apparatus. All victims were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to the flat fire on Ingrave Street. The fire was highly visible and we received 40 emergency calls reporting the blaze.”
Ingrave Street Shut Amid Fire Drama
- Road closed both ways between Falcon Road and Wye Street
- Fire crews from Tooting, Lambeth, Brixton, Chelsea, and Hammersmith stations attended
- Incident lasted from 6:23pm to 7:59pm
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Smoke Hoods Save Lives
Fire escape hoods used by the rescued residents offer up to 15 minutes protection against deadly gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. While not supplying oxygen, these hoods filter toxic smoke, making breathing easier during evacuations.
This latest blaze echoes a terrifying 2014 fire at the same building, when over 80 firefighters tackled flames that forced the rescue of 18 people from multiple flats.