Firefighters are issuing a smoking safety reminder after a flat fire on Eastfield Road in Enfield.
A fourth-floor balcony was destroyed by fire and part of the flat was also damaged. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by 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 your home 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 your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 19 calls to the fire at 1529 and mobilised five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Chingford, Edmonton, Tottenham and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1641.
Firefighters' smoking safety tips
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Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
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Don’t leave lit cigarettes unattended.
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It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
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Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
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Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
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Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket