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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Barney Davis

Bexleyheath care home fire: Hazardous response team sent to blaze with locals told to shut windows

Seven people have been led to safety by firefighters after a hairdresser inside a south London care home went up in flames.

Residents and carers were evacuated through the smoke-filled building in Woolwich Road, Bexleyheath after a fire broke out at 11.30am on Thursday.

Several people have been treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics who also warned neighbours to shut their windows and avoid the area.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Firefighters tackled the flames for an hour and a half before getting it under control by 1pm.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are tackling a fire at a property on Woolwich Road in Bexleyheath.

“A small fire occurred in a hairdressers inside a care home. Heavy smoke logging was reported on the ground floor. Four people were rescued from the building by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

“Three further people were led to safety by firefighters.

“Several people have been treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. Around 30 people left the building before firefighters arrived.”

The London Ambulance Service tweeted: “We have dispatched multiple resources to a fire on Woolwich Road in #Bexleyhealth, including our Hazardous Area Response Team @LAS_HART. If possible, please avoid the area, stay indoors and close windows if you are nearby.”

A Met spokesman said: “Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and a road closure was put in place.

“A number of people were treated for smoke inhalation.

“Enquiries remain ongoing.”

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