Firefighters are issuing a safety reminder about smoking, following a fire at a house converted into flats on Ashmore Road in Kilburn.
Half of a flat on the ground floor was destroyed by fire. Two men evacuated before the Brigade arrived. One man was suffering from smoke inhalation and was treated by London Ambulance Service.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
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's 999 Control room took the first of five calls alerting them to the fire at 0223. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Paddington and North Kensington fire stations were in attendance. The incident was under control by 0309.
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 arm chairs 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.