Islington Tribune - News: Blaze

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Islington Tribune - by PATRICK WELCH
Published: 5 October 2007

Blast rips through blaze flat

NEIGHBOURS have told how they heard a third-floor flat in Holloway explode into flames in the early hours of Saturday.
One man was taken to hospital and six people were rescued after fire partially destroyed the flat on the Wetherbury House estate, in Wedmore Street.
Neighbour Linda Ralph said: “All of a sudden there was a big explosion and out the back the top window had all been blown out and burnt to cinders. We’ve got gas pipes out the back there – I thought someone had lit a match and thrown it in.
She added: “The lady opposite was frightened so I made her come in and have a cup of tea. We all keep an eye on each other in this block.”
Firefighters from Kentish Town and Holloway, equipped with breathing apparatus, brought the blaze under control in under an hour.
The block has no fire escapes and is not provided with fire extinguishers.
Homes for Islington, which manages the estate, said: “It is not necessary to put fire extinguishers in communal areas. Tenants can be provided with smoke alarms free of charge. We will await a report from the Fire Brigade before deciding if any further action is required.”
The London Fire Brigade said it would not expect or require the landlord to provide fire extinguishers on the estate. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

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