Discarded cigarette causes fire at an outdoor market - Elephant and Castle

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at an outdoor market is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette ignited detritus that had amassed under a public walkway outside the shopping centre in Elephant and Castle. 

A wooden store cupboard under stairs was destroyed by fire. A timber-framed adjacent food stall also partly damage by fire.

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 that will cause a lot of damage, but also and may cost lives.”

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 0513 and the fire was under control at 0620. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Old Kent Road and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.