Wandsworth Flat Fire: Child Rescued as Cooking Blaze Erupts

A dramatic flat fire in Wandsworth yesterday evening saw firefighters rescue one adult and a child escape a burning property on Hardwicks Square. The blaze, believed to be accidental and caused by cooking, has prompted a stark warning from the London Fire Brigade.

The Cooking Blaze on Hardwicks Square

Yesterday at 17:35, the Brigade’s Control Officers received the first call to a fire in a fourth-floor flat within a seven-storey residential block. Crews from Wandsworth and Battersea fire stations were swiftly dispatched to the scene. A small section of the flat was damaged by the fire.

One child managed to leave the building before firefighters arrived. Firefighters bravely rescued one adult from the property via an internal staircase. The rescued individual received treatment from the London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation. The fire was brought under control by 18:47.

Wandsworth Safety and Cooking Fire Statistics

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that accidental dwelling fires, often linked to cooking, remain a significant concern across London boroughs, including Wandsworth. In the year ending March 2023, there were 1,107 accidental dwelling fires in Wandsworth.

The London Fire Brigade offers crucial safety advice to prevent such incidents. They stress that cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill. If you must leave the kitchen, always turn off the heat. Be mindful of loose clothing, which can easily catch fire near a hot hob.

Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. When cooking with hot oil, never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil. Ensure food is dry before adding it to hot oil, as oil and water are a dangerous mix. If oil begins to smoke, turn off the heat and let it cool.

For further advice and support on fire safety, residents can visit the London Fire Brigade website or contact their local fire station. For general crime prevention advice in Wandsworth, residents can visit the Metropolitan Police website.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on an official press release issued by LFB.

Document: Flat fire - Wandsworth

Source Link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2026/may/flat-fire-wandsworth/