Firefighters rescued a man from a house fire on Chelmer Crescent in Barking during the early hours of Monday morning.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued the man from the terraced property’s first floor and led him to safety down an internal staircase. He was treated on the scene by London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital as a precaution. The fire damaged around a quarter of the property’s ground floor and caused smoke damage throughout.
The Brigade was called at 0350 and the fire was under control by 0504. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Barking fire station attended the incident.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been discarded 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.”
• Put it out, right out - always make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.
• Take extra care when you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol. It’s very easy to fall asleep without realising that your cigarette is still burning.
• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don’t light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire.