Neighbours told of being awoken by firefighters banging on their doors as fire ravaged a second floor apartment in North Kensington.

Five people were taken to hospital having been treated at the scene for smoke inhalation after the fire, which burned so hot that windows in the apartment in Sunbeam Crescent shattered.

One woman told getwestlondon that she woke up at around 1.30am on Monday (November 13) when officers from London Fire Brigade banged on all the neighbours doors asking them to wake up and leave their homes.

"It was really shocking, we just woke up to lots of blue lights and firefighters everywhere," said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.

The fire was reported at around 1.18am on Monday and was tackled by 21 firefighters and four engines.

Officers from North Kensington and Hammersmith fire stations had the blaze under control by 2am.

However, from the ground, severe damage can be seen inside the flat and the stench of burning was still in the air on Monday evening.

Firefighters believe the blaze was caused by a portable heater being left on overnight, and say the flat involved had no working smoke alarms so the fire was able to develop for some time.

London Fire Brigade is now reminding homeowners to take extra care with portable heaters in this cold weather.

The fire shattered the windows in the flat

A spokesman for the brigade said: "Always unplug unused heaters and other electrical items and don’t leave them on overnight.

"It’s also crucial to have working smoke alarms in your home. Never leave it to chance that you will discover a fire.

“Everyone should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home and test them regularly. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home.”

London Fire Brigade’s advice for portable heaters

  • Secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters
  • Keep heaters away from clothes, curtains and furniture
  • Sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair, especially if you fall asleep
  • Always turn off your heater and allow it to cool before moving it

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