Woman dies after sheltered accommodation flat fire

A woman has died following a fire at a sheltered housing block in west London.

It broke out at about 16:30 GMT on 9 January in the woman's first-floor flat on Brooks Road, Chiswick. She was rescued by firefighters but died in hospital.

A further four people were rescued from neighbouring flats and were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

London Fire Brigade said it was called by an automated alarm system, and crews were on site before any 999 calls were made.

The brigade's assistant commissioner, Andy Pennick, said the blaze demonstrated the importance of working fire alarms, especially where residents were elderly or vulnerable.

A rest centre was set up for the other residents of the block who were brought out of the building using escape hoods, which protect the wearer from deadly gases.

Pennick said his thoughts were with the woman's friends and family and praised the crews who dealt with the "challenging and well-established fire".

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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