A fire that broke out in the roof a block of flats in Chestnut Grove, New Malden, left 40 people homeless for the night seeking shelter with their neighbours.
London Fire Brigade were called at 2032 on Thursday evening and arrived to find the roof on fire.
Crew manager Ray Foster said: “When we turned up, 100 metres of the road either side of the home was heavily smoke logged by a serious fire in the roof.
"We quickly evacuated the remaining residents and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went upstairs to the third floor.
"After knocking the fire out around the loft access they climbed the ladder to the top to best attack the fire, where they remained despite tiles and flaming debris falling on them.
"The crews really did a fantastic job and if it wasn’t for their courage and professionalism we would have lost the entire roof.”
A report in the local Guardian for Kingston suggests that the fire may have been caused by a blowtorch used by plumbers and London Fire brigade confirmed the cause was accidental, possibly involving soldering equipment.
Speaking with the newspaper, one of the residents who offered shelter to some of those displaced by the blaze described a “real community spirit.”
Regena Hall said: "We don’t know how long people will be staying. We are trying to make them feel as comfortable as we can.
"It is just what you do. You are supposed to look after your neighbours. We have the space so we can make a difference."
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