Blaze Rips Through London Home After Careless Cigarette
A semi-detached house in London suffered ground-floor fire damage after a cigarette was carelessly discarded. Firefighters in breathing apparatus rescuing a man from the scene. He was treated on-site by London Ambulance Service crews.
Fire Caused by Dangerous Smoking Habits
The London Fire Brigade say the blaze was accidental. It started from the unsafe disposal of a cigarette. A 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.”
Firefighters Battle Blaze Through the Night
Called at 1:51am, the fire was brought under control by 2:27am. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Barking and Dagenham stations tackled the flames.
Top Safety Tips for Smokers
- Smoke outside whenever possible, ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal.
- Never smoke in bed or on sofas and armchairs where you might fall asleep.
- Use sturdy ashtrays that won’t tip over and can properly stub out cigarettes.
- Empty ashtrays carefully, making sure all smoking materials are cold or wet before throwing away—never use a wastepaper bin.
