Firefighters Rescue Residents from Sheltered Housing

Four in hospital after fire at on Brooks Road

The Meadowcroft Sheltered Accommodation block on Brooks Road. Picture: Google Streetview

January 11, 2026

Around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a sheltered accommodation block in Chiswick on Friday afternoon (9 January), carrying out multiple rescues and helping dozens of residents to safety. The blaze, which broke out in a first-floor flat and corridor of the four-storey Meadowcroft sheltered housing complex on Brooks Road, led to the evacuation of around 30 residents and the hospitalisation of five people.

Ten fire engines were sent to the scene after the London Fire Brigade received the first of six emergency calls at 4.25pm. Crews from Chiswick, Acton, Mitcham and surrounding stations were mobilised, and firefighters used fire escape hoods to guide residents through smoke-logged areas. London firefighters were among the first in the UK to carry these hoods when they were introduced in 2018 following the Grenfell Tower fire.

The devices filter toxic smoke for up to 15 minutes, protecting wearers from four of the most dangerous fire gases — carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein — and can be used on both conscious and unconscious people. Additional hoods can be fitted if longer protection is needed.

The fire was brought under control shortly after 6pm. A rest centre was set up locally to support displaced residents, and Hounslow Council said temporary accommodation would be arranged for anyone unable to return home.

Local councillors have paid tribute to the emergency services, council staff and community organisations for their response. Councillor Gabriella Giles was alerted to the incident by residents and spent much of the evening at the designated rest centre, working alongside council officers, emergency services and support organisations. Residents had also contacted Age Concern, which opened its centre on Oxford Road North to serve as an additional rest centre for those displaced.

“This was a frightening incident, and my first thoughts are with the residents who have been affected and those taken to hospital,” Cllr Giles said. “I want to thank the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, the Met Police, council staff and Age Concern for their swift and professional response. I was also deeply moved by the kindness of local residents who offered shelter from the cold, clothes, food and even rooms to those left temporarily homeless.”

She stressed the importance of keeping residents informed as the situation develops. “The cause of the fire needs to be investigated quickly and thoroughly. Residents should be reassured that the police remain on site, and that arrangements are being made with the council so people can safely access parts of the building to collect essential belongings where possible.” She added that the compassion shown by neighbours had been overwhelming: “Their concern for the wellbeing of the residents — both two-legged and four — and their ongoing needs has been extraordinary.”

Councillor Peter Thompson said safety remains the priority while investigations continue. “The site is still being treated as an active crime scene until at least tomorrow. Police are permanently on site to keep residents safe and to support the investigation, and we would ask people to respect the cordons while this work continues.”

To reassure the local community, councillors confirmed that the two well-known Meadowcroft cats are safe. They have been checked, fed and are being cared for, offering a small but welcome comfort to residents after a distressing evening.

Cllrs Thompson and Giles at the scene after the fire

Both councillors said they will continue working with council officers, emergency services and housing providers to ensure residents receive the support they need in the coming days. Hounslow Council said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with all those affected.”

Firefighters remained at the scene into the evening, and the public was asked to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.