Last updated: 01/08/2019, 3:23 PM

Firefighters issue smoking safety reminder after Isle of Dogs balcony fire

12/07/2019 17:28
Tower Hamlets
House or flat fire
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Firefighters are urging people to ensure they fully extinguish their cigarettes after a very visible balcony fire in the Isle of Dogs.

The Brigade’s 999 control officers received 67 calls to the fire on a 13th floor balcony at a block of flats in Limeharbour.

The outside decking area, which was shared by two flats, was damaged by fire. One flat sustained minor damage.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials on the decking.

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."

 The Brigade was called at 1728 and the fire was under control at 1857. Fire crews from Millwall, Poplar, Plaistow, Whitechapel, East Greenwich and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.