Smoking Blunder Sparks Flat Fire, 50 Evacuate
A blaze tore through part of a ground-floor studio flat after a careless cigarette was tossed away. Around 50 people fled the building before firefighters stormed in to tackle the flames.
Firefighters Battle Coffee Table Inferno
Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived swiftly and found a small fire blazing on a coffee table. The blaze was brought under control by 1:07am, just under an hour after the Brigade was called at 12:14am.
Cause: Careless Smoking Disposal
Fire investigators pinpointed the cause as careless disposal of smoking materials. A 1 Fire Brigade spokesperson warned:
“We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are 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.”
Top Fire Safety Tips for Smokers
- Smoke outside whenever possible
- Never smoke in bed or on sofas, especially if you might nod off
- Always use sturdy ashtrays that can’t tip over
- Make sure cigarettes are completely out before disposal
- Empty ashtrays carefully
- Wet cigarettes before binning — never toss them in wastepaper baskets
The fire drew five engines and around 35 firefighters from Shadwell, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Dowgate, and Shoreditch stations. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the warning is clear: one careless flick can change lives forever.
