Firefighters are warning people to carefully dispose of their cigarettes following a fire in a flat on Druid Street in Bermondsey, SE1, in the early hours of the morning.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters were called to the fire in an eight storey block of flats.
Part of a flat on the fourth floor was badly damaged by the blaze. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, probably due to carelessly disposed cigarettes. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
“Incidents like this show how important it is to dispose of cigarettes properly. 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 that could destroy not only your home, but also your life.”
A woman and a man from the affected flat suffered from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews. A further 12 people left the flats before the arrival of the Brigade.
The Brigade was called at 0013 and the fire was under control by 0151. Fire crews from Dockhead, Old Kent Road, Dowgate and Shadwell fire stations attended the scene.