Woman Dies After Fire at Chiswick Supported-living Block
Firefighters had rescued her from blaze at Meadowcroft facility
Cllrs Thompson and Giles at the scene after the fire
January 15, 2026
A woman has died following a fire at a supported-living accommodation block in Chiswick, the London Fire Brigade has confirmed.
The blaze broke out in a first-floor flat on Brooks Road on Friday 9 January, spreading into a communal corridor and prompting a major emergency response. Firefighters rescued the woman, who has not been named but described locally as 'much-loved', from the affected flat and she was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. Her condition was initially described as critical and she died four days later, on 13 January.
Four other residents were also rescued from neighbouring flats. They were given fire escape hoods to protect them from smoke and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick offered condolences to those affected. “Our thoughts are with the woman's family and friends as well as all those impacted by this sad incident,” he said. He praised the actions of crews who arrived within three minutes and faced “a challenging and well-developed fire and several people in need of urgent help”.
Around 30 residents, many of them elderly or vulnerable, were evacuated from the Meadowcroft supported-living complex. A rest centre was set up immediately to support them, with council officers and partner organisations providing assistance.
Mr Pennick said the Brigade was first alerted by an automatic fire alarm, with the first 999 call confirming a fire only coming in once crews were already on scene. He said the incident highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms, particularly in buildings housing vulnerable residents.
At the height of the fire, ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from Chiswick, Acton, Mitcham and surrounding stations were deployed. The first of six emergency calls was received at 4.22pm, and the fire was brought under control by 6.05pm. The cause remains under investigation.
Before the woman’s death was confirmed, local councillors had paid tribute to the emergency services and community groups who supported residents on the night.
Cllr Gabriella Giles, who spent the evening at the rest centre, said the incident had been “frightening” for those involved and praised the kindness of neighbours who offered shelter, clothing and food. Age Concern opened its centre on Oxford Road North to provide additional space for displaced residents.
Cllr Peter Thompson said the site was being treated as an active crime scene while investigations continued, with police remaining on site to support residents and maintain safety.
Amid the distress, councillors confirmed that the two well-known Meadowcroft cats had been found safe and were being cared for.
Hounslow Council said it was working with emergency services and housing providers to ensure residents received ongoing support.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said, “I would like to offer heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the resident who sadly passed away following the fire at Meadowcroft retirement housing. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.”
Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing management and Homelessness, said,“I share the Leader’s sadness at this devastating news and extend thoughts to all those affected as well.
“Many Meadowcroft tenants have lost a valued neighbour and friend. But those who were moved to sheltered accommodation because of the fire, have been supported by kind members of the local community, community leaders and council officers.”
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