London’s firefighters were called to battle a blaze in a Wandsworth block of flats on the city’s hottest day of the year so far.
A balcony fire in the block on Bridges Court Road saw four fire engines and about 25 firefighters called to assist at 12.33pm.
Part of the balcony was destroyed by the fire, while a woman was treated at the scene after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Crews from Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham and Kensington fire stations came to the scene and the blaze was under control by 1.43pm.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Staying safe in the heat
The soaring temperatures of the past few days have brought with them numerous safety warning from authorities.
The London Fire Brigade cautioned swimmers and bathers when approaching the water – with an added risk of cold water shock in this warm weather.
Richmond Council has also reminded people that lighting barbecues and fires in their borough parks is against the law and could incur a fine.
The council said that during the heatwave, there is increased risk of grass fires – and disposable barbecues can often be the cause.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “I need to be clear with all Londoners that the next few days will see temperatures that we have never experienced in this city.
“This hot weather is normally something we all welcome but this heatwave brings with it a potential threat to life and means that all of us are going to have to change our routines in order to stay safe.
“It is vital that we all take sensible precautions to look after ourselves and help reduce the pressure on our emergency services who will be very busy in this extreme heat.”
