Flat fire - Sutton

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a flat on Welbeck Road in Sutton.

Half of a flat on the ground floor of a terraced house converted into flats was damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's fire investigation team believe the fire was accidental and due to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We would rather people didn’t smoke at all but if they do, vaping is a safer option.

"If you do choose to smoke cigarettes, 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 1031 and the fire was under control by 1120. Four fire crews and around 25 firefighters from Sutton, Wallington, Wimbledon and Croydon fire stations attended the scene.