A family was able to escape a fire at their home despite not having a working smoke alarm .

Crews were called to Abbey Road in St John’s Wood on Sunday (September 24) night after the family, which included three children, fled from the scene.

Batteries in the smoke alarm had run flat and failed to alert the residents to the fire.

However, one of the household smelled the smoke and discovered the fire in a bedroom.

They were able to leave the maisonette without injury.

The cause of the fire, which happened near the recording studios made famous by The Beatles, is believed to have been caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials on bedding .

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If the resident hadn’t noticed the smell of smoke this fire could have had a very different outcome.

“A battery-less smoke alarm is no use to anyone. Homes need multiple and linked 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. They should be linked together and tested regularly.

“If you’re a smoker it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.”

Four fire engines and around 21 firefighters and officers attended the fire from West Hampstead and Paddington .

They were called just before 7.29pm and had the fire under control by 8.15pm.

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