Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a discarded cigarette is believed to have caused a fire on a balcony in Holman Road, Battersea on Monday (31 July).
Five fire engines and 31 firefighters and officers were called to the fire in a block of flats.
Half of the balcony of a flat on the fifth floor of the seven storey block was damaged by fire.
Firefighters led two people to safety and 25 people had left the building before the arrival of the Brigade.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.
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.”
• 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 1147 and the fire was under control at 1308. Fire crews from Battersea, Wandsworth, Fulham, Tooting and Kensington fire stations attended.