Woman rescued from flat fire (From Streatham Guardian)

Woman rescued from Streatham flat fire

10:55am Friday 3rd August 2012 in News

 

Firefighters rescued a woman and her cat from a burning flat in Streatham this morning.

The woman in her forties suffered smoke inhalation at the flat in Riggindale Road and was taken to St George's Hospital by ambulance.

Four fire engines and around 20 Tooting and Norbury firefighters were called out at 6.17am and brought the fire under control by 7.01am.

Red Watch manager Tom Furnell said: “We got to the scene quickly and could see a woman at a second floor window, with smoke pouring out all around her.”

He added: “The lady was very concerned about her cat but fortunately firefighters found it inside and brought it out to safety.

The fire was brought under control quickly and we managed to prevent it from causing too much damage.”

The woman was rescued from the second floor of a terraced house converted into flats, which suffered some damage.

A man and woman were also asked to leave from the ground floor flat as a precaution.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said they tried to use a ladder to rescue the woman but changed tactics when the fire was put out. 

She said: “She was a bit scared to go down the ladder. She was carried through the house using breathing apparatus.”  

Please ring the Streatham Guardian on 020 8722 6337 if you saw the fire.