Woman Taken to Hospital After Twickenham Flat Fire 2026

Key Points

• A fire broke out around 10.30pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, in a mid-terraced house converted into flats on Kenley Road, Twickenham, south London.​
• One woman was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service for treatment of smoke inhalation; her condition has not been publicly detailed.​
• Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Heston, Twickenham, Richmond, and Kingston fire stations attended the scene.
• Control Officers dispatched the crews after the Brigade was called at 2225 (10:25pm).​
• The fire was brought under control by 2325 (11:25pm), with half of a first-floor flat damaged by fire.​
• The blaze is believed to have been caused by a fault with a washing machine.​
• A London Fire Brigade spokesperson issued safety advice on white goods, urging registration of appliances and prompt action on faults.​

Twickenham, South London (South London News) February 17, 2026 – A woman was rushed to hospital following a fire that tore through a flat in a converted mid-terraced house on Kenley Road in Twickenham last night. The incident, which occurred around 10.30pm on February 16, prompted a swift response from multiple fire stations, highlighting ongoing risks in residential properties across south London. Emergency services contained the blaze within an hour, but not before significant damage was inflicted on the property.

What Caused the Fire in the Twickenham Flat?

The fire is believed to have started due to a fault with a washing machine in the first-floor flat. As detailed in the official incident report from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), published on their website, the appliance malfunction ignited the blaze in the mid-terraced house converted into multiple flats.​

This cause aligns with reports from local outlets covering the event. For instance, coverage in Richmond Nub News noted:

“Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a blaze at a property on Kenley Road in Twickenham last night (16 February),”

attributing the origin to the washing machine fault without specifying an author but linking back to LFB data.​

Similarly, Twickenham Nub News reported the same details in their article titled “Woman taken to hospital after Twickenham flat fire,” reiterating the washing machine as the probable source based on Brigade information. No conflicting accounts have emerged from other sources, underscoring the consistency across media.​

When and How Did Firefighters Respond to the Incident?

The London Fire Brigade was called at 2225 (10:25pm) on February 16, 2026, with Control Officers mobilising crews from Heston, Twickenham, Richmond, and Kingston fire stations. Six fire engines carrying around 40 firefighters arrived promptly at the scene on Kenley Road.​

According to the LFB’s incident page, the fire was brought under control by 2325 (11:25pm), just one hour after the initial call. This efficient response prevented the fire from spreading beyond half of the affected first-floor flat.​

Local news echoes this timeline. Twickenham Nub News stated in their coverage: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a blaze at a property on Kenley Road in Twickenham last night (16 February),” matching the LFB’s account precisely. Richmond Nub News provided identical details in “Washing machine fire causes damage to first floor of flat,” confirming the rapid deployment and containment.

What Happened to the Woman Involved in the Fire?

One woman was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to be treated for smoke inhalation. The LFB incident report specifies:

“One woman was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service to be treated for smoke inhalation,”

with no further updates on her condition released publicly at the time of reporting.​

This detail is consistently reported across sources. Twickenham Nub News highlighted in their headline-style coverage: “Woman taken to hospital after Twickenham flat fire,” drawing directly from LFB statements. No additional injuries were noted, and the woman’s identity has not been disclosed, respecting privacy protocols standard in such incidents.

What Damage Did the Fire Cause to the Property?

Half of a flat on the first floor of the mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. The property, a converted residential building on Kenley Road, sustained localised destruction but was contained effectively by responding crews.​

The LFB’s detailed summary confirms: “Half of a flat on the first-floor of the property was damaged by fire,” preventing escalation to neighbouring units or the ground floor. Richmond Nub News elaborated: “Washing machine fire causes damage to first floor of flat,” aligning with the official assessment and noting no broader structural collapse.

What Did the London Fire Brigade Say About the Fire?

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson provided critical safety guidance in the wake of the incident. As quoted directly on the LFB website:

“This incident serves as an important reminder to make sure that your white goods aren’t a hidden fire hazard in your home. If your white goods start making strange noises, don’t ignore it. If you think there’s a problem always unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician. Most fires where white goods are the source of ignition are not down to anything you have done – so always make sure you register your appliances as you’ll be informed if any issues are identified with the product you’ve bought.”​

This statement, attributed to the LFB spokesperson without a named individual, has been reproduced verbatim in local media. For example, the full quote appears in the LFB’s Twickenham incident page, forming the core of their public advisory. No other official statements from LFB, LAS, or Metropolitan Police have been issued in the sources reviewed, keeping the focus on prevention.

Why Are White Goods Like Washing Machines a Fire Risk?

White goods, such as washing machines, pose hidden fire hazards due to potential electrical faults unrelated to user error. The LFB spokesperson emphasised in their statement:

“Most fires where white goods are the source of ignition are not down to anything you have done,”

highlighting manufacturing or wear-related issues.​

Registration of appliances is key, as it ensures owners receive recall notifications. The advice continues:

“always make sure you register your appliances as you’ll be informed if any issues are identified with the product you’ve bought.”

Strange noises signal problems; ignoring them can lead to tragedies like the Kenley Road fire.​

This incident fits a pattern of appliance-related blazes in London. While specific statistics on white goods fires were not detailed here, the LFB’s proactive warning underscores the need for vigilance in homes across Twickenham and south London.​

How Can Residents Prevent Similar Fires in South London?

Residents should immediately unplug suspect white goods and contact manufacturers or qualified technicians. The LFB spokesperson advised:

“If your white goods start making strange noises, don’t ignore it. If you think there’s a problem always unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.”​

Registration remains paramount for safety alerts. Beyond this, installing smoke alarms, ensuring clear escape routes, and regular maintenance are standard recommendations from fire services. In converted properties like the one on Kenley Road, shared utilities amplify risks, making communal vigilance essential.​

What Is the Broader Context of Flat Fires in London?

Flat fires remain a persistent issue in London, with the LFB’s incidents page listing multiple recent events, including blazes in Kilburn, Battersea Park, and Dollis Hill around mid-February 2026. The Twickenham fire adds to this, but its swift containment demonstrates effective emergency response.

No fatalities occurred here, unlike some past incidents reported in south London, such as a house fire in Peckham or Fulham. Coverage remains localised, with nub.news outlets providing community-focused reporting on Twickenham and Richmond impacts.

This event prompts reflection on housing safety in converted terraced homes, common in areas like Twickenham. Authorities urge compliance with fire safety regs to avert future calls.​