An elderly man was helped by his neighbour when a fire broke out in his flat on Chepstow Road, Croydon CR0 in the evening of 25 January.
Both men fled from the fire before the arrival of the Brigade and had to be treated by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.
A London Fire Brigade’s spokesperson said: “The man’s bed was damaged by fire and we believe the blaze was started by a cigarette. This is a classic example of why we advise people never to smoke in bed, the results can be disastrous.
“Unfortunately hundreds of fires in London are caused by cigarettes each year but many of them could be avoided if smokers took better care. If you smoke, it’s essential to make sure your cigarette is completely out once you’ve finished with it, otherwise you run the risk of having a fire disaster.“
“The flat didn’t have a smoke alarm. Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home is vital as they buy you precious seconds to escape if you’re unlucky enough to have a fire. Smoke alarms save lives, it’s as simple as that.”
Part of the three room flat on the first floor was damaged by the fire.
The Brigade was called at 1923 and the fire was under control by 1947.
Around 15 firefighters from Croydon and Norbury fire stations were on the scene.
