Brigade urges smokers to take extra care ahead of annual spike in balcony fires

• New data from London Fire Brigade has found that smoking-related fires increase by 64 per cent between April and September every year
• Firefighters attend double the amount of smoking-related balcony fires during the warmer months and injuries increase by 36 per cent
• The Brigade is warning smokers against flicking ash from balconies and asking them to ensure their cigarettes are completely out when they have finished smoking and to dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly.

Firefighters are warning smokers to take extra care as data reveals that smoking-related fires rise 64 per cent between April and September every year.

New data from the London Fire Brigade has found that, over the past five years, between April and September, firefighters attend an average of 402 smoking-related fires a month, in comparison to 246 a month between October and March.

The Brigade links the rise in smoking-related fires to the warmer weather and greater use of balconies for smoking. Analysis of the data across 2021 to 2025 shows that from April to September, 236 smoking-related fires started on balconies and external structures, twice as many than during the colder months which recorded just 119 fires. Injuries at smoking-related fires also increase 36 per cent in the summer months, increasing from 22 to 30 fires a month.

Given the high seasonal risk, the Brigade is urging smokers, especially those with balconies, to take extra care when disposing of cigarettes.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: "These figures are a stark reminder that the risk of fire is greatly increased during the warmer months as people spend more time on their balconies.

“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 in a matter of minutes.

“If you are smoking on a balcony, remember that non-smokers are reliant on others to put their cigarettes right out when they’ve finished them. Make sure you dispose of your smoking materials safely in an ashtray and never drop ash or throw cigarettes from balconies.

“If you’re worried about a neighbour’s cigarette setting your balcony alight, you can reduce the risk by clearing any flammable items from the area.”

The Brigade’s figures also show that evenings are the most likely time of day for smoking-related call outs. Since 2021, firefighters have attended over 1,400 fires between 1500 and 2000. The most likely hour is 1500 to 1600 (252 fires) and the least likely is 0500 to 0600 (82 fires).

In January and February 2026, firefighters attended over 60 fires related to smoking. One person has sadly died, and nine people have been injured.

Brigade’s smoking safety advice tips

• It's safer to smoke outside but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Never flick cigarette ash or a cigarette butt off a balcony, instead use an ashtray.
• Keep your balcony clear from any flammable items.
• Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking on armchairs 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.
• 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.
• Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen, an air flow pressure relief mattress or emollient creams.
• Fit smoke alarms in any room where a fire could start in your home. In smoky or steamy rooms, like your kitchen or bathroom, a heat alarm is more suitable.

Notes to editors

The Brigade’s statistics include accidental fires where the ignition source was related to smoking.