Half of the ground floor of a two-storey mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. Two adults were rescued from the first floor of the house wearing fire escape hoods by crews wearing breathing apparatus. One adult and two children were also rescued from the first floor via a ladder They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The Brigade was called at 0404 and the fire was extinguished by 0508. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: LFB (23 Jan 2024)