Two people have escaped a flat fire in New Cross Gate, believed to have been caused by “the unsafe disposal of smoking materials”.
Four fire engines and roughly 25 firefighters tackled the blaze on Billington Road, off New Cross Road, at 2.46pm on Tuesday, March 28.
Part of a two-roomed flat on the ground floor of a converted terrace house was damaged.
Fortunately, two people had left the property before the fire brigade arrived and no injuries were reported.
The fire was under control by 15.38pm with crews from New Cross, Peckham, Greenwich and Deptford fire stations having attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and the London Fire Brigade is warning people to be careful with cigarette disposal.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy properties but also cost you your life.”
Firefighters’ smoking safety tips
- Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
- Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
- It’s safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Don’t balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.