Discarded cigarette causes rubbish fire in Clapham

Firefighters are urging Londoners to dispose of their cigarettes carefully following a rubbish fire in the yard of a block of flats on Elms Crescent, in Clapham this afternoon.

The most likely cause of the fire is a discarded cigarette igniting rubbish in the rear yard.

Fencing and windows of two adjacent properties on the ground floor were destroyed by fire. Windows on the first floor of two other neighbouring properties were damaged by fire. Fifty people left the blocks of flats before the arrival of the Brigade. There were no reports of injuries.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:

“A heatwave often causes an increase in fires but there are some simple things people should do to prevent them. Everyone has a role to play in preventing fires, so be careful with how you put out cigarettes and matches, and butts should be fully stubbed out and not tossed into bins, onto the floor or out of windows. We would rather people didn’t smoke at all but if they do, vaping is a safer option.”

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.

Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Clapham, Brixton, and Battersea fire stations attended the scene.

The Brigade was called at 1512 and the fire was under control at 1649.