London Fire Brigade is warning smokers to make sure their cigarettes are properly extinguished after a flat fire in Ealing.
Two fire engines were called to Sterling Place after a fire broke out in a second floor bedroom on Tuesday (July 12).
Smoke detectors alerted the occupants to the fire and they immediately called the Brigade. Two people and two cats left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
The fire is believed to have been caused by careless disposal of smoking materials onto a bed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home.
“If you are a smoker it is vital that you take extra care Last year around three fires a day in London were linked to smoking and half of accidental fire deaths were related to careless disposal of cigarettes.
“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 your home, but also cost you your life.”
A small section of the flat was damaged by fire.
The Brigade was called at 1541 and the fire was under control at 1626. Crews from Chiswick and Heston fire stations attended the scene.