Firefighters are reminding people of their smoking safety advice after a fire at a hotel on Mabledon Place in King’s Cross.
Part of the basement was damaged by fire. 36 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters rescued two people from the fourth floor via an internal staircase using fire escape hoods and a further two people were rescued using a turntable ladder. They were all assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
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.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of three calls to the fire at 0159 and sent crews from Soho, Islington, Kentish Town and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0310.
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.