A hairdryer is believed to have caused a fire that broke out in a hairdresser’s salon located on the ground floor of Parkview Care Home on Woolwich Road, Bexleyheath.
At 11:40 a.m. on March 31, eight fire engines and 60 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the blaze. Thick smoke filled the ground floor, prompting firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to rescue four individuals who were then rushed to hospital after inhaling smoke. Three additional people were escorted to safety by emergency crews at the scene.
By 1:02 p.m., the fire was brought under control. Approximately 30 residents had evacuated the building prior to the arrival of the firefighters.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade emphasised the risks associated with hot hair tools, stating, “Remember that hairdryers, hair tongs, and straighteners can get extremely hot. Always switch them off and place them on a heatproof surface to cool.” They added, “The Brigade was called at 11:26 and the fire was under control by 13:02.”
Fire crews from Sidcup, Eltham, Bexley, and East Greenwich stations assisted in managing the incident. The Metropolitan Police closed Woolwich Road during the emergency response, coordinating efforts with the London Ambulance Service teams.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson reported, “Four ambulance crews, three incident response officers, one advanced paramedic, and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene. We treated five people for smoke inhalation and transported four to hospital.”
This incident highlights the importance of fire safety in care homes and the potential dangers posed by everyday electrical appliances if left unattended.
Originally published by UKNIP.
