Firefighters have issued a reminder of their smoking safety advice following a fire at a block of flats on Giltspur Street in Farringdon.
Half of the roof and part of a flat were damaged by the fire. Nine people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There are no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “While we’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, if you are a smoker, it’s vital you make sure that your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it and disposed of responsibly. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life.
“A single careless act, such as a discarded cigarette, can have devastating consequences - threatening lives, destroying multiple homes and displacing families.
“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.
"Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.
"The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire.
Control Officers took the first of five calls at 2259 and mobilised six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Shoreditch, Soho, Euston and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 0029.