Several maisonette rooms have been left damaged after a fire in Chaucer Gardens, Sutton.
Fire services were called to the 18-storey building at 10:05 am on Friday, July 20. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters attended the scene to put out the blaze.
Further to the earlier fire at Chaucer House, a meeting will be held today at 2pm on site with @SHP_Sutton and London @LondonFire to reassure residents. The fire was contained to one flat and we're happy everyone is safe and well.
— Sutton Council (@SuttonCouncil) July 20, 2018
The London Fire Brigade and Sutton Council reported that there were no injuries and the fire was contained to one flat. Half of the six-room maisonettes on the 10th and 11th floor were damaged, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Some of the properties suffered from water damage. Cllr Ruth Dombey said: “The fire was contained to one flat and did not spread. The sprinkler system worked very effectively to contain the fire.
"We are hoping that everyone will be back into their properties later but are preparing temporary accommodation and general assistance for a small number of residents.”
Around 20 people left the building before the arrival of the fire brigade and a further 40 were led out of the building by firefighters. The fire was under control at 11:26 am.
Some residents reported that they did not hear a fire alarm and were only alerted by the sounds of fire engines outside.
Aaron, a resident at Chaucer Gardens said: "I was in my flat and heard noises outside. I looked out my window and saw fire engines so went outside the building.
"I think the fire was on the 6th or 7th floor, I didn't hear any alarms go off, I was only alerted by the sound of fire engines."
No fire alarms in sutton fire, cladding used on the block and 9 people called 999 before a response, already looking a bit shady
— Dave (@bidgave) July 20, 2018
MP Paul Scully acknowledged he had heard other people say similar things, but warned of jumping to conclusions before the facts are in.
"We need to check, I’ve heard different things from different people, so I don’t want to rush to judgement on that," he said when asked about the reports.
MP Scully added: "Residents are currently moved out into the neighbouring building at Milton House where they’re waiting and being provided with refreshments.
The fire in a single flat is out. Sprinklers and stopping seem to have done their job. No reports of injury apart from minor smoke inhalation. @SuttonCouncil, @SHP_Sutton & @LondonFire working really well together.
— Paul Scully MP (@scullyp) July 20, 2018
"It’s always scary when this sort of stuff happens, especially with a building like this in the post-Grenfell atmosphere. The cladding wasn’t an issue so that’s an important thing.
"Since Grenfell I’ve been concentrating on Chaucer and Balaam House, the two clad local authority housing blocks, to make sure their residents have a sense of safety and assurance.
One resident who lives in the flat above did say that he and his daughter were told to go to St Helier hospital to be seen for smoke inhalation.
Fire crews from Sutton, Mitcham, Wallington, Wimbledon, Croydon and surrounding fire station attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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