Laundrette Blaze in Sidcup Sparks Fire Brigade Frenzy
Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters raced to a laundrette fire on Main Road, Sidcup, in the early hours yesterday.
Ground Floor Damaged, Residents Evacuate
The fire tore through part of the ground floor of a mid-terraced laundrette with flats above. Eleven neighbours fled their homes before firefighters arrived. Luckily, no one was hurt.
Passers-by Spot Smoke, Fire Linked to Self-Heating Laundry
Passers-by raised the alarm after spotting smoke coming from the laundrette’s front.
Fire Investigators say the blaze likely started because of self-heating laundry left in a dryer after closing time.
A Fire Brigade spokesperson warned: “These fires usually involve textiles contaminated with oils – like linseed, massage, or cooking oil found on tea towels, tablecloths, and chef whites. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning advice before washing.”
“Heat trapped inside tumble dryers can cause contaminated fabrics to smoulder and ignite. Always use the dryer’s cooling cycle to let heat escape before piling laundered items together.”
Quick Response Tames Blaze
The Brigade was called at 12:48 AM. Fire crews from Sidcup, Eltham, and Lee Green brought the blaze under control by 1:38 AM.
