A fire that erupted at a Battersea block of flats yesterday evening left three people in hospital and forced 50 residents to evacuate. The blaze broke out on the seventh floor of a ten-storey building on Charlotte Despard Avenue at approximately 6.45pm, prompting nearly 30 calls to emergency services.
Flat Completely Destroyed
The source of the fire, a four-roomed flat, was completely destroyed, with windows smashed and burned out. Paramedics treated six people at the scene, and three were taken to hospital for further treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been confirmed.
Firefighting Response
Crews from Battersea, Clapham, Lambeth, and surrounding areas brought the fire under control shortly before 8.30pm, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines attended the scene, with a 32-metre turntable ladder used as a water tower to fight the fire from above. Firefighters tackled the blaze for over 90 minutes.
Station Commander Andy Lewington, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters were met with a well-developed fire in a high-rise building. Crews worked professionally and safely to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible, preventing the fire from spreading and causing damage to other flats in the building."
He added: "Throughout the incident, our firefighters were supported by their colleagues in the Brigade’s Control Room. Control officers carried out a number of Fire Survival Guidance calls with residents in the building, as crews responded outside."
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is now under investigation by the LFB and the Metropolitan Police. Station Commander Lewington thanked firefighters, staff, and colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police for their support at the scene.
