Unsafe use of smoking materials likely cause of fire at Southall care home

The cause of a fire at a care home in Southall is said to be due to “unsafe use of smoking materials”, the London Fire Brigade has said.

One man was rescued from a fire at the care home located on Osterley Park Road during the early hours yesterday (15 May 2023) which saw six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attend.

Part of a room on the ground floor was destroyed by fire. One man was rescued who was suffering from smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. No other injuries were reported.

In a statement, the Brigade said: “The cause of the fire is believed to be due to unsafe use of smoking materials.”

The Brigade was called at 3:41am and the incident was over by 4:51pm. Fire crews from Southall, Heston, Hayes, Ealing and Hillingdon fire stations were sent to the incident.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you smoke, it’s important to ensure your cigarette is disposed of carefully by stubbing it out, preferably in an ash tray. If you smoke before bed, make sure your cigarette is fully out and never leave your lit cigarette unattended. Carelessly discarded cigarettes can easily start fires.”

The London Fire Brigade has issued this advice:

• Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended.
• Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold.
• If you must smoke, do it outdoors.