The London Fire Brigade has issued a safety warning to smokers after they attended a flat fire in a converted semi-detached house on Chatsworth Gardens in Acton on Sunday (4 December 2022) afternoon.
One man left the building was treated by London Ambulance Service crews and the fire was under control by 4:10pm.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Acton, Ealing, Chiswick and Hammersmith fire stations attended the incident which is believed to have been accidental and caused by smoking materials.
Most of the three-roomed flat was damaged by the fire.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “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 properties, but also cost you your life.”
Firefighters’ smoking safety tips
- Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
- Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
- It’s safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Don’t balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- 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
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