Woman has a lucky escape from East Ham house fire

A woman had a lucky escape after smoke alarms in her property in East Ham alerted her to a fire.

Approximately 50 per cent of the ground floor of a terraced house in Wellington Road was damaged by fire.

One woman, who was in the property at the time of the fire, was alerted to the blaze by her smoke alarms sounded. She left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.

Station manager Shane Cook, who was at the scene, said: “This fire highlights just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your property. Without them, there could have been a very different outcome.

“It is believed the fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials.

“It is 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.”

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 1323 and the fire was under control at 1418. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from East Ham, Plaistow Stratford and Ilford fire stations attended the scene.