Around 70 firefighters in 10 fire engines were called to a house fire in New Malden on Saturday night, which destroyed the ground floor and first floor of a home on Mount Pleasant Road. The blaze was brought under control by 1am, but not before it had spread extensively, also destroying a car port in the front garden.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of 24 calls alerting them to the fire at 9.36pm, and crews from Surbiton, Kingston, Sutton, Wimbledon and surrounding fire stations were mobilised. The fire took several hours to control due to how far it had spread, with dramatic photos showing the house burnt through to its foundations.
Residents Advised to Keep Windows Closed
Station Commander Steve McGhie, who was at the scene, said: "The fire was producing smoke that affected the local area, residents nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed where possible." The smoke was significant enough that residents were urged to keep windows closed through the night.
One gas cylinder was removed from the scene and cooled as a precaution. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Crews Deploy Turntable Ladder as Water Tower
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was deployed as a water tower, allowing crews to tackle the flames from above. This tactic was necessary due to the intensity and spread of the fire.
The LFB's 999 Control officers handled the 24 calls, and the fire was declared under control by 1am. The operation involved a significant number of resources, reflecting the severity of the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confirmed that the fire is under investigation to determine its cause. The extent of the damage to the property is substantial, with the home's structure significantly compromised.
The fire serves as a reminder of the dangers of residential fires, and the LFB's response highlights the importance of rapid deployment and effective firefighting techniques. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
