Home owners are being reminded to make sure their working smoke alarms are fixed to the ceiling following a fire at a block of flats on Argyle Street in Saint Pancras.

Almost half of a five roomed flat on the first floor was damaged by fire. Fortunately no one was in the property at the time of the fire and no injuries are reported.

Watch Manager Tony Marshall was at the scene said: “This is a timely reminder to ensure that smoke alarms fixed to ceilings. Smoke alarms did not sound because they were incorrectly placed on shelving. Fortunately a neighbour smelt smoke and did the right thing by dialling 999.

“As well as placing smoke alarms on ceilings, homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor – in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom. They should be tested regularly.”

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the scene from Euston, Islington and Soho fire stations. The Brigade was called at 0500 and the incident was over 0538.

The cause of the fires is under investigation.