Man taken to hospital after escaping fire that ‘destroyed’ first floor of flat

A man was taken to hospital after he escaped a fire that tore through the first floor of a two-storey flat on Saturday morning.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters tackled the blaze in Prentiss Court, Charlton after they were called to reports of a fire at around 8am.

A flat on the first-floor of a two-storey block of flats was “destroyed” by the fire, the London Fire Brigade reported (LFB).

One man escaped the flat before firefighters arrived and he was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews, suffering from smoke inhalation.

The LFB said that the fire is believed to have been caused by a cigarette that had not been put out properly.

The brigade had brought the fire under control by around 9.15am. Crews from Plumstead, Eltham and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.

A LFB spokesman said: “We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy properties but also cost you your life.”

Pictured top: Firefighters’ equipment at the scene of the fire in Prentiss Court, Charlton (Picture: LFB)