The careless disposal of a cigarette is believed to be the cause of a flat fire in Camden Town yesterday afternoon.
Half of the ground floor flat was damaged by the blaze. Thankfully no one was in the property at the time but firefighters led an elderly woman to safety from a neighbouring flat. She was checked over at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews and did not need to go to hospital.
Neighbours were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm sounding that had been installed by firefighters exactly five years ago. Fire crews in breathing apparatus confined the fire to the bedroom.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“Smoking still causes a third of fatal fires which shows why it’s vitally important that people always put their cigarettes right out and completely avoid smoking in the bedroom.
“The smoke alarm fitted through our home fire safety visit scheme undoubtedly helped prevent the amount of damage and destruction this fire caused as neighbours heard it sounding and called us right away. Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home.”
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Kentish Town, Euston, Soho and Holloway fire stations attended the blaze on Lewis Street.
The Brigade was called at 1321 and the fire was under control by 1429.