Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a discarded cigarette is believed to have caused a fire at an office block in Garrick Street in Covent Garden.
Part of the ducting from the street level to the basement was damaged by the fire. Seven people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was a discarded cigarette which ignited rubbish that had collected around the ducting by the pavement grate.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all but if you do, 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 which could not only destroy buildings, but also cost you your life."
• 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 1339 and the fire was under control by 1447. Fire crews from Soho, Euston and Dowgate fire stations attended the scene.