Man rescued from window of burning flat (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Man rescued from window of burning flat in Abbey Road, South Wimbledon

4:50pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

A man found hanging from the window of his burning flat has escaped injury after he was rescued by fire fighters.

Fire crews from Wimbledon and Tooting fire stations were called to a block of flats in Abbey Road, South Wimbledon, at about 5.20pm yesterday (January 17).

Twenty fire fighters battled the blaze which had engulfed the third floor flat and forced the man inside to lean precariously out of the window in an attempt to escape the smoke.

Alan Kilroy, crew manager for Wimbledon, said:  "As we arrived there was a serious fire in progress with smoke issuing from the third floor of a block of flats.

"A member of the public was hanging out of the window.

"Immediately crews pitched a nine meter ladder to the man who was rescued by fire crews.

The man was treated for smoke inhalation on the scene but was not seriously injured.

The fire, which was extinguished within 20 minutes, is under investigation but is believed to have been caused by unattended lit candles.

The flat had not been fitted with a smoke alarm.

Fire crews from Wimbledon fire station will soon be returning to the area to promote fire safety and the use of smoke alarms.

Mr Kilroy said: "If you are using candles always make sure they are in a proper candle holder and kept away from materials."

Residents can arrange for a free home fire safety assessment by calling 0800 028 4428.

For more information visit london-fire.gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit