A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after a flat fire in Surbiton.

The fire broke out in Guildford Avenue just after 8pm yesterday (November 6).

The cause of the blaze is believed to be hair straighteners left on a bed.

The woman was trapped inside the house due to fire and heat.

She was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews for treatment after being rescued.

The fire and heavy smoke caused damage throughout the property.

The blaze was under control just before 9.15pm.

Firefighters from Surbiton and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters rescued a woman from a fire converted into flats on Guilford Avenue in Surbiton.

“The woman was trapped inside the property due to fire and heat.

“She was given fire survival guidance advice by Control Officers until fire crews arrived. Firefighters led her to safety by using a fire escape hood.

“She was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

“Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people.

“If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.

“The fire damaged half of a first floor flat. There was heavy smoke damage throughout the property.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be hair straighteners left on bedding.

“Fires involving hair dryers and straighteners are not uncommon. Hairdryers, hair tongs and straighteners can get extremely hot, so it’s very important to remember to switch them off and leave them to cool on a heat proof surface.

“The Brigade was called at 2002 and the fire was under control by 2112. Firefighters from Surbiton and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”