Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire in a hospital car park on Pond Street in Hampstead.
Three bins in a ground floor covered car park, which was part of a 14 storey building, were destroyed by fire. Around 40 people were evacuated from the building by hospital staff.
Fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was accidental and due to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you're a smoker, 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 property but also cost you your life.
"With the dry weather conditions that London has been seeing, any fire can quickly get out of control. It only takes a few sparks to ignite dry grass, shrubs, or litter and many grass and land fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.
“Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows and if you are smoking on a balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.”
The Brigade's 999 Control officers received the first of ten calls at 1909. They deployed fire crews from West Hampstead, Kentish Town and Paddington fire stations. The fire was under control by 2054.
Smoking safety top tips
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on armchairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.