London Fire: What to do if YOUR home is on fire and how to escape a blaze

Forty fire engines with more than 200 firefighters rushed to tackle the enormous fire which has destroyed Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate in North Kensington after starting just before 1am.

Some people are still trapped inside the building, near Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush, and were heard screaming to be rescued as flames raced up the building from the second floor where it started.

It is not yet known what caused the fire but reports suggest it could be an electrical fault and witnesses said it was possibly an exploding fridge.

The tower block, owned by Kensington and Chelsea Council, was recently refurbished at a cost of £8.7 million, with work completed in May 2016.

As details from the horrifying blaze continue to emerge, many are wondering about fire safety in their home.

So what should you do if a fire breaks out in your house?

London Fire Brigade give detailed instructions on their website, and their first piece of advice is to “get out, stay out and call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so.”

They also warn not to try and tackle the fire yourself, but to call the fire brigade as soon as possible and leave dealing with the blaze to the professionals.

If you are making an escape, London Fire Brigade said there were a few things to remember.

They wrote: “Remember to keep low if there’s smoke and always check doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If it is hot, there could be a fire on the other side.

“Always keep door and window keys where everyone can find them and make sure the way in and out of your home is clear of clutter and obstacles.

“Do not waste time rescuing valuables and never go back into a building once you are safely outside.”

If your escape is blocked, don’t panic – there are things you can do.

London Fire Brigade advised: “Find a safe room away from fire – ideally one with a window that opens. Close the door and put bedding or any soft materials around the bottom to block the smoke coming underneath.

“If you have a phone, call 999 and ask for the fire brigade. Be prepared to describe where you are and the quickest way to reach you.

“If you’re on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through the window. Use soft materials to cushion your fall and always lower yourself down carefully, don’t jump.

“If you’re higher up or if you don’t have access to a phone, open the window and shout for help.”

If you live in a flat, not a house, London Fire Brigade advise you are not in any worse danger, but there is slightly different advice.

Firstly, tenants should find out the escape plan for their block – the advice could be staying in, or it could be going out.

London Fire Brigade said: “If there is a fire in your building and you are inside your purpose-built flat or maisonette, stay put and call 999.

“You are usually safer staying in your own flat or maisonette unless heat or smoke is affecting you. A self-contained, purpose-built flat or maisonette will typically give you between 30 and 60 minutes protection from fire.”

However, if the fire is inside your flat or maisonette, you should get out.

London Fire Brigade said: “Warn all the people you live with and leave, closing the front door behind you. Follow your escape plan.

“If there is a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor where the air will be clearer.

“Always use the stairs, rather than the lift, and make your way out of the building.”