A resident had a ‘lucky escape’ after 50 people were evacuated following a fire at a block of flats in Battersea.

Part of a 13th floor wad damaged as the London Fire Brigade received 25 calls after the blaze before firefighters rushed to the scene in Winstanley Road shortly after 1pm on April 9.

Investigators discovered the cause of the fire was due to a faulty heater which then caught bedding alight, but now the fire brigade is urging people to ensure they have working smoke alarms.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “The occupant had a lucky escape after they discovered the fire and they did the right thing in getting out quickly.

“Firefighters discovered that one of the smoke alarms in the flat had been removed from the ceiling which is an important reminder about the importance of having working smoke alarms.

“You should never remove them or take out the batteries and they should be tested regularly to make sure they are working.”

Fire crews from Battersea, Brixton, Chelsea, Clapham, Fulham, Lambeth, Tooting, and Wandsworth attended the incident.

No injuries were reported following the fire.

He added: “Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen.

“This fire is also a timely reminder to take care when using electric heaters. They need to be standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”