Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at an industrial unit converted into a church and offices on The Oval in Bethnal Green in the early hours of this morning.
The fire was discovered by a passer-by who saw fire coming from an hatch leading to a basement at the rear of the building.
Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials such as a match or a cigarette. The building was unoccupied when fire crews arrived.
The Brigade was called at 0536 and the fire was under control at 0713. Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, and Homerton fire stations attended the scene.
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.