Fire at car repair shop - Hither Green

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a car repair shop on Hither Green Lane in Hither Green. 

Part of the ground floor garage roof was damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade’s fire investigation team believe the fire was accidental and was caused by discarded smoking materials. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.

"Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire."

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’s 999 Control Officers took 16 calls to the fire. 

The Brigade was called at 1923 and the fire was under control by 2021. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lee Green, Forest Hill, Deptford and New Cross fire stations attended the scene.