A smoke alarm that had been fitted by the London Fire Brigade less than six months ago saved the lives of a man and a pregnant woman in West Norwood last night.
They were asleep when an electrical fault caused their washing machine to start smouldering, giving out toxic fumes. The smoke alarm went off and woke them both up, enabling them to escape from the flat and call the Brigade.
The woman was treated for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Firefighters from West Norwood fire station had visited the block of flats in the last six months and had fitted free smoke alarms in all of the flats. The couple told firefighters that the smoke alarm woke them up and saved their lives.
Crew Manager Matthew Wright, based at West Norwood, said: “There’s not a doubt in my mind that the smoke alarm saved their lives. The smoke that comes from melted plastic is very toxic and extremely dangerous – if they hadn’t woken up when they did, this story could have had tragic consequences.
“The London Fire Brigade fits smoke alarms for free, so if you can’t get hold of one yourself, arrange a home fire safety visit and we will come to your home, talk about fire safety, and fit alarms where necessary. As you can see, smoke alarms really do save lives.”
Five fire engines from Forest Hill, Norbury, and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene with 25 firefighters. The Brigade was called at 10.55pm and the fire was under control at 11.10pm.
If you’re interested in booking a home fire safety visit, click here.
