Firefighters are warning people to carefully dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials, following a fire in a house on Colney Hatch Lane in Finchley yesterday evening.
The first floor of the two storey house was badly damaged by the blaze and fire crews wearing breathing apparatus worked hard to contain the fire to a bedroom.
A man and a woman left the property before the arrival of the Brigade. They were suffering from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Services.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidentally caused by a discarded cigarette. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“Incidents like this show how important it is to dispose of cigarettes properly. 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 that could destroy not only your home, but also your life.”
A smoke alarm was fitted in the property but the batteries had been disconnected. The spokesperson added:
“Whether they are hard wired or battery operated it's important to make sure your smoke alarms work and to test them regularly. Working smoke alarms are essential as they provide vital early warning and allow extra time to escape. They can also alert neighbours to the danger of fire.”
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Finchley, Southgate and Hornsey fire stations attended the scene.
The Brigade was called at 2138 and the fire was under control by 2254.