Two people hospitalised after flat fire in Thamesmead
By Rafi Mauro-Benady
Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines from four stations were called to tackle a flat fire on Wednesday.
A first floor flat in the three-storey block in Chadwick Way, Thamesmead, was engulfed and destroyed by the “very well developed fire”.
Part of a second-floor flat was also damaged.
Four people escaped before the fire brigade arrived. A man and two women were taken to hospital by ambulance.
The emergency call was placed at 7.57am and the fire was under control by 9am.
Crews from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and East Greenwich fire stations helped tackle the inferno.
Station Commander Lisa King, who was at the scene, said: “Crews were faced with a very well developed fire when they arrived and worked hard to bring the blaze under control.
“There were a lot of possessions and clutter in the property which made it challenging for firefighters.
“Hoarding means exit routes can become blocked, making safe evacuation more difficult.
“Fires can also spread much faster, especially when there are flammable items such as newspapers or cardboard.”
The fire has been recorded as accidental and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.