Wandsworth (Parliament News) – Battersea residents say they have “lost everything” after a fire ripped through Wandsworth council flats, leaving families homeless and unable to return.
The fire that destroyed the fourth floor and roof area of Fox House, located on Maysoule Road in Battersea, on Wednesday night (September 10) was put out by about 100 firefighters.
Around 150 people were evacuated from the five-story structure by firefighters after the fire started at approximately 7:09 p.m. on Wednesday. By 11:01 p.m., they had the fire under control. There were no reported injuries.
While some residents are living with loved ones while they await their return to the block, others have been transferred to emergency housing. Wandsworth Council owns several comparable blocks along the road, including the building.
Fox House resident Isabel Lubeiro, 59, was preparing supper when she noticed flames reflected in the windows across the block, alerting her to the fire. Alex Langley-Lubeiro, her 27-year-old son, had just gone out for the evening. Just as firefighters reached her door, she snatched up her phone and hurried outside.
The two were waiting to be transferred into emergency housing after spending the night with friends when they spoke with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Since their house is located right below the top level where the fire began, they stated they thought it had sustained significant smoke and water damage during their 26 years there.
The mum and son said they believed they had lost most of their possessions due to the fire.
“The smoke destroys everything,”
Isabel told the LDRS.
“We’ve probably lost everything.”
She said:
“I don’t have [home] insurance, I never did it. I’m renting, of course the place is unfurnished, but I’ve been renting for many years and I never considered it because I thought the place was safe because of the structure of the place. I never imagined [this]. I always had my fire alarms on, my neighbours as well.”
She added:
“I’m just happy we’re going to have a place to stay. My work is OK for now – I don’t have any clothes, so I’ll borrow from a friend or something for Monday. If I can go I will and get my other things… and then I’ll decide what happens.”
Nasim added:
“When the firemen came, I was here in the kitchen. I saw the fire was there so [the] whole night I would wake up, I was scared.”
Helen Clarke, 47, said it was particularly scary to see the fire as she lives on the top floor of a similar block of council flats on the road, known as Ramsey House, with her son and his partner. She said she believed the roof space above the top-floor flats of each block was “completely wide open, it isn’t divided, it isn’t sectioned off… that’s how I’m assuming [the fire] spread”.
Helen told the LDRS:
“It’s a bit scary seeing that, knowing that I actually live on the top floor of one of these blocks. It’s a bit scary knowing that if there’s a fire… once it gets into the roof, it can spread all across the top floor like it does.”
A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said:
“The safety and security of residents who have had to leave their homes is our top priority. We ensured everyone who had to evacuate had a place to stay, including through council-arranged emergency accommodation. We will continue to work closely with residents to ensure they have appropriate arrangements in place at this difficult time.
A support hub at York Gardens Library has been set up with council teams in place to support residents. We appreciate the community concern and understand people want to help their neighbours, but please refrain from donating clothing and other items as everything is being coordinated through the council so that we can ensure residents get the support they need. We are aware that local fundraising is taking place which residents wishing to donate can consider.
Residents in need of support can visit the hub at York Gardens Library.”
What emergency housing support has Wandsworth Council offered residents?
The council seeks to identify temporary housing arrangements. This may be bed and breakfast accommodation or short-term rental accommodation until the homes are repaired or there is a long-term housing option available.
If residents choose to stay with family or friends, the council will help make sure those arrangements are appropriate and supportive arrangements during the emergency. Displaced residents will report a site of the housing options enquiry form to receive tailored support and assess their eligibility for emergency accommodation.
For those residents with issues related to their landlord or who are struggling to maintain their tenancy during repairs; the council will provide advice and direct residents to agencies such as Shelter and Citizens Advice for legal assistance.