Firefighters have issued a reminder about safely disposing of cigarettes and other smoking materials after a flat fire on Victoria Road in Plaistow yesterday evening (Thursday 5 May).
The fire destroyed the balcony outside a seventh floor flat and is believed to have been caused by discarded smoking materials. Around 100 people left the 16 storey building before the Brigade arrived and there were no reports of any injuries. The Brigade’s ‘999’ control officers took more than 20 emergency calls to the fire which was highly visible during its early stages.
Reminding smokers to take extra care a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you are a smoker it is vital that you take extra care and 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.”
The Brigade was called at 1837 and the fire was under control by 1909. Six fire engines and around 35 firefighters and officers from Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham, Poplar, Leyton and Millwall fire stations attended the incident.