Flat fire - Hornchurch

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder following a fire at a block of flats on Rosewood Avenue in Hornchurch.

Part of a flat on the first floor was damaged by the fire. One person left the property before the Brigade arrived. They were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

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

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you smoke it is vitally important you stub your cigarette right out when you've finished smoking, preferably in an ashtray.

"If you don’t, you risk causing 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 was called at 1005 and the fire was under control by 1055. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Hornchurch, Dagenham, Harold Hill and Barking fire stations attended the scene.