Flat fire - Canning Town

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat on Forty Acre Lane in Canning Town. 

Half of a four-roomed flat on the 12th floor of the building was damaged by fire. Around 150 residents left the building before the Brigade arrived. Three women and two men were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews. One man was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 40 calls to the fire. 

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by smoking materials.

Station Commander Jim Smith, who was at the scene said: "Fires caused by smoking materials including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes, result in more deaths than any other type of fire. Stub cigarettes out properly and always dispose of them carefully.

"Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

 Firefighters' smoking safety tips

1. It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
2. Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
3. Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
4. Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
5. 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.
6. Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended. 
7. 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.
8. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
9. Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use paraffin-based emollient creams, ask for non-flammable alternatives instead. 
10. Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.

The Brigade was called at 1822 and the fire was under control at 1945. Fire crews from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham, Stratford, Millwall, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.