A woman has died following the fire caused by an electric heater in Earl's Court .

The blaze occurred in Penywern Road on Sunday (March 13), with initial reports saying a man needed treatment for smoke inhalation. However, it later emerged it was a woman who required assistance from paramedics.

She had been led from the building through the rear of the property by firefighters where she was treated by ambulance crew and taken to hospital. London Fire Brigade was informed on March 16 that she had died.

The fire occurred at 9am after an occupant noticed smoke coming from under the table in their bedsit.

A fire engine at the scene of the fatal fire in Earl's Court

Two women left before the Brigade arrived and were also treated for smoke inhalation. A further 30 residents also evacuated the building before crews were on the scene.

Fire investigators believe the cause of the blaze was flammable objects such as bedding, newspapers or furniture being left too close to an electric heater.

A spokesperson said: “Shockingly, over two thirds of fatal fires involving heaters are caused by furniture or clothing being too close. People need to make sure their portable heaters are standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”

Four fire engines from Chelsea , Fulham, Hammersmith and Soho, with 21 firefighters attended the incident. Half the bedsit was damaged in the fire. Crew had the blaze under control by 10.30am.

Scene of the electric heater fire in Earl's Court on March 15