Seven people have been taken to hospital after a fire quickly engulfed a fifth floor flat in Maida Vale. Fifteen engines and around 100 firefighters responded to the incident on the A5 shortly after 9:30 am this morning (Wednesday, May 20).
Firefighters Rescue 24 People
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed that the entire flat and half of the fascia of the flat above were damaged by flames. Station Commander Emma Carr said crews led 24 people to safety, with 15 using fire escape hoods which provide protection against carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, and acrolein.
She added: "Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control. Our Control Officers took more than 20 calls to the fire and gave vital fire survival guidance to two residents inside the building on how to stay safe before crews arrived."
Equipment and Response
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used as a water tower to tackle flames from height. The wind was causing smoke to spread across the area. People who live or work nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
The cause of the fire, which was brought under control shortly after midday, is now under investigation.
