Firefighters are issuing a reminder about smoking safety after three separate callouts to fires caused by cigarettes over the weekend.
On Friday and Saturday, the Brigade tackled flat fires in Croydon, Beckenham and Westbourne Park, each found to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
As the nights get colder, the Brigade is warning Londoners to take extra care if they choose to smoke indoors.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "These incidents are a stark reminder that smoking is still one of the leading causes of fire in London.
"While our advice is not to smoke at all, if you are going to smoke it's vital to ensure 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.
"With temperatures dropping it can be tempting to smoke indoors instead of outside. Never smoke in bed or on armchairs or sofas, especially if you think you might fall asleep.
"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.”
Smoking is the third most common cause of fire in London. This year alone, the Brigade has responded to 686 accidental fires caused by smoking, equivalent to more than two incidents every day. 55 people have been injured and four people have tragically lost their lives.
Smoking safety tips
- 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.
- Empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin. Never use a wastepaper basket.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, and if you're drinking alcohol or taking prescription drugs.
- Avoid buying counterfeit cigarettes, they are less likely to self-extinguish, which increases the risk of fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
- Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use emollients and skin creams consider using fire retardant bedding or nightwear.
Find out more about smoking safely at home on the Brigade's YouTube channel.
Flat fire - Croydon
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a block of flats on Heathfield Road in Croydon.
Part of a five roomed flat on the ground floor was damaged by the fire. Three people left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led one woman to safety using a smoke hood. Two people were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.
London firefighters were among the first in the UK to carry fire escape hoods when they were introduced in 2018 as part of improvements following the Grenfell Tower fire. The 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.
Control Officers took the first of six calls at 1220 (17/10) and mobilised crews from Croydon, Norbury, Woodside and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 1322.
Flat fire - Westbourne Park
Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters responded to a fire on Westbourne Park Road.
The fire damaged a four roomed flat on the 18th floor, in a residential block of 20 floors. There are no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was first called about the incident at 0754 (17/10), and crews from North Kensington, Kensington, Paddington and surrounding fore stations attended the scene. Fire fighters had the incident under control by 0848.
Flat fire - Beckenham
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of flats on Brookehowse Road in Beckenham.
Part of a four roomed flat on the first floor was damaged by the fire. Three people were led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using smoke hoods. There are no reports of any injuries.
London firefighters were among the first in the UK to carry fire escape hoods when they were introduced in 2018 as part of improvements following the Grenfell Tower fire. The 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 Brigade was called at 1622 (16/10) and crews from Forest Hill, Beckenham, Bromley and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The fire was extinguished by 1801.