Firefighters are warning smokers to ensure they always properly put out their cigarettes as smoking materials are the suspected cause of a fire in Hounslow this morning,
A fire broke out to the rear of a disused ground floor shop in High Street. Three people jumped from the first floor before the arrival of the Brigade although the fire was contained to the ground floor. One man was injured by the fall and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
Watch manager Helen Christmas, who was at the scene, said: “Crews arrived at the scene within three minutes and forced entry into the shop. We could see the flames though the shop window at the front when we arrived, but the fire was to the rear of the property. Crews worked hard to contain the fire and stop it spreading.
“It looks as if the fire was started by careless disposal of a cigarette or matches. 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 them, before throwing stubs into a bin.”
About one third of the shop was damaged by fire. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Heston and Feltham fire stations attended the scene.
The Brigade was called at 0134 and the fire was under control by 0226.