Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to a fire on Dresden Road.
The fire occurred in a terraced house of four floors, which had been converted into flats. A four roomed flat occupying the basement and ground floor levels of the property was damaged by fire. A man was rescued from the building by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and treated on scene by paramedics.
The Brigade received the first of two calls reporting the fire at 1936, and Control Officers mobilised crews from Holloway, Kentish Town and Hornsey to the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the incident under control by 2115.
The fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
Essential safety tips for smokers
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Never throw cigarette butts from a balcony, they could start a fire elsewhere.
- Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
- Use deep, heavy ashtrays which can’t tip over. Add a small drop of water to the ashtray and stub cigarettes out properly.
- Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended, or sat on the edge of an ashtray – they can tip and fall as they burn away.