A major fire that swept through a residential street in Morden, South London, in the early hours of this morning has resulted in a child being rushed to hospital and significant damage to three properties. The incident, which occurred on Halesowen Road, required a substantial emergency response, with 70 firefighters across 10 fire engines mobilised to tackle the intense blaze.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
The London Fire Brigade received the first of 18 reports just after 4am on Tuesday, January 27, indicating the rapid spread of the fire. Fire crews worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control, successfully containing the blaze by approximately 6am. This swift action involved personnel from multiple stations across the region, including Sutton, Mitcham, Wimbledon, New Malden, Wallington, Tooting, Norbury, and Clapham.
Extent of the Damage
The fire caused extensive destruction to a two-storey end-of-terrace house, completely gutting the ground floor, first floor, and roof. The flames then spread to neighbouring properties, with a ground floor lean-to and the roof of an adjacent home suffering significant fire damage. In a third house, the roof was entirely destroyed, highlighting the ferocity of the incident.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Three individuals were affected by smoke inhalation during the fire: one woman, one man, and a young boy. All received immediate treatment at the scene from emergency services before being transported to hospital for further care. The child was taken to A&E, underscoring the serious nature of the incident for local residents.
Firefighting Techniques and Challenges
To combat the blaze, firefighters employed advanced equipment, including a 32-metre turntable ladder used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above. This strategic approach allowed crews to target the flames effectively from an elevated position. Additionally, a potentially hazardous gas cylinder was identified at the scene; it was cooled to prevent explosion and safely relocated to a secure area, demonstrating the complex challenges faced by responders.
The incident has drawn attention to fire safety in residential areas, with the London Fire Brigade likely to conduct investigations into the cause and spread of the fire. Local authorities are expected to provide support to the affected families as they begin the recovery process.
