London Fire Brigade is asking smokers to take extra care after a house fire on Bushey Hill Road in Peckham on Wednesday evening.
A passer-by, who noticed smoke coming from the property, knocked on the door and escorted the occupant to safety. Fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was started by discarded smoking materials
After the Brigade was called crews wearing breathing apparatus put out a fire in the property's living room. Part of the room was damaged and the house was left smoke logged. The woman inside the property was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service as a precaution.
The Brigade was called at 1740 and the fire was under control by 1801. Two fire engines and around ten firefighters from Peckham and New Cross fire stations were called to the incident.
Reminding smokers to take extra care a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“Thanks to the quick actions of the passer-by the lady involved in this fire managed to escape, but if you are a smoker it is vital that you take extra care.. Last year around three fires a day in London were linked to smoking and half of accidental fire deaths were related to careless disposal of cigarettes.
“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.”
Here are our top fire prevention tips for smokers:
• Put it out, right out - always make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.
• Take extra care when you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol. It’s very easy to fall asleep without realising that your cigarette is still burning.
• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don’t light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire.
The house on Bushey Hill Road didn’t have any smoke alarms. It is vital that you fit and maintain a smoke alarm on each level of your home - when a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.