Smoking safety reminder after Battersea flat fire

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a flat on Ingrave Street in Battersea this afternoon (Saturday, 19 August).

The fire damaged around half of a fourth floor flat in the eight storey block. There were no reports of any injuries.

The cause of the fire is believed to be due to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you're 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 your home, but also cost you your life.”

Safety advice for smokers

• Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways. 
• Never smoke in bed.
• Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended.
• Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold.
• If you must smoke, do it outdoors.

The Brigade was called at 1623 and the fire was under control at 1654. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers from from Battersea, Clapham, Fulham, Wandsworth, Paddington, Tooting and Lambeth fire stations attended the incident.