Firefighters rescued a man after a fire broke out in a house on Eardley Road in Streatham during the early hours of Saturday morning (3 December).
A further 16 people, including a baby, left the property before the Brigade arrived. Both the man, who crews led to safety from the property’s first floor, and the baby, were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation. The fire left part of the ground floor of the house of multiple occupation damaged.
The blaze is believed to have been caused by discarded smoking materials.
Reminding smokers to take extra care a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you are a smoker it is vital that 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.”
• 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.
In addition the fire detection system in the property had been disabled so the occupants were not alerted to the fire.
The Brigade spokesperson added: “Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home and the safest option is to have those linked together. This will give you the earliest warning in the event of a fire and buy you vital time to escape."
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Tooting, Norbury and Mitcham fire stations attended the incident. The Brigade was called at 0040 and the fire was under control by 0133.