A dramatic video has been published by this morning as part of a campaign to save Clapham fire station being axed.

Lambeth Council's film clip, ‘Every Second Counts’, says there will be an increased risk to life as a result of the Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s plan to close Clapham Fire station.

Statistics from by London Fire Brigade suggest two wards in Clapham will suffer the biggest increase in emergency response times in London if the fire station disappears.

The video, published on YouTube, sees a child’s bedroom slowly filling up with smoke and hears them struggling for breath.

A ticking clock in the background and the heavy build-up of smoke in a very short time illustrates the point that every second counts when a fire breaks out, and any increase in response time is potentially fatal.

A council spokesman said it drew inspiration for ‘Every Second Counts’ from powerful and uncompromising government public health films on issues from Smoking to Drink Driving.

The council leader, Coun Lib Peck said: “Some people may find this film shocking, but we make no apologies for drawing attention to the real dangers of closing Clapham fire station to public safety.

"The devastating impact of fire in the home cannot be overstated. That’s why when it comes to emergency response times, every second counts.”

A spokeswoman for the London Fire Brigade said: “The proposals currently out for public consultation seek to maintain our London-wide response targets, which as a London-wide fire brigade is how we plan the service we provide.

“The ward level data shows how varied response times are across the capital. As is the case now, over half of all London wards would, on average, continue to get a first response within the six minute target if the proposals are agreed.

"London would continue to receive a very good service, compared to other emergency services and other parts of the country."