A house fire on Millfield Avenue in Walthamstow has prompted a renewed call for smoke alarm safety, after a woman was treated for smoke inhalation and two children were forced to flee their home.

The blaze broke out on the morning of March 20 and required a swift response from the London Fire Brigade. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the scene. Most of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the property were severely damaged before the fire was brought under control.

Investigators believe the property did not have any smoke alarms installed. London Fire Brigade has since reiterated its advice to residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms on every level of the home. A spokesperson said, “Fires can develop quickly and having smoke alarms gives you vital time to escape. We recommend testing alarms weekly.”

The woman rescued from the fire was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. The two children had already exited the property safely before emergency services arrived. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Brigade offers a free Home Fire Safety Visit service, particularly for vulnerable residents, which includes installing smoke alarms and offering personalised safety advice. Residents can check their home fire risk online or book a visit via london-fire.gov.uk.

Local councillors have also urged residents to take up these checks, especially in older housing stock or homes with extended families where fire risk may be greater.

For more information or to arrange a safety check, visit the London Fire Brigade’s website.