Fire Rips Through Sidcup Home: Family and Pets Safe Thanks to Smoke Alarms
A raging blaze tore through a house on East Rochester Way in Sidcup, calling out four fire engines and 25 firefighters to the scene. Thanks to a working smoke alarm, a family of five – two adults and three kids – escaped the inferno unscathed.
Ground Floor Devastated, Extension Destroyed
The smoke alarm’s urgent beep woke the family just in time. They followed fire safety advice perfectly: got out, stayed out, and dialled 999. By the time firefighters arrived, most of the ground floor was badly damaged, and a single-storey extension was completely destroyed.
Firefighters Rescue Pets Amid Flames
Fire crews, fully kitted in breathing apparatus, battled the blaze and managed to save the family’s cat and dog. Thankfully, both pets showed no signs of injury or smoke inhalation.
London Fire Brigade Issues Crucial Warning
Working smoke alarms alerted the family and allowed them to get out quickly without injury,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson. “Homes need multiple smoke alarms, or you won’t be properly covered.”
“Ideal spots for alarms include rooms with electrical gadgets like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; anywhere you smoke; and places where you charge mobiles or laptops – but not kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms work better.”
The fire brigade was alerted at 10.43pm and had the blaze under control by 12.18am. Crews from Plumstead, Bexley, and Eltham fire stations tackled the fire.
Cause Suspected: Faulty Tumble Dryer
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started due to a tumble dryer. The appliance has been sent off for further tests to confirm the exact cause.
