Smoking safety reminder after North Finchley balcony fire

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a block of flats in Kingsway in North Finchley.

Part of the balcony of a 14th floor flat was damaged by fire. Part of the flat also sustained some smoke damage.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was the unsafe disposal of a cigarette into a plant pot on the balcony.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you're a smoker 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.”

Safety advice for smokers

• Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways. 
• Never smoke in bed.
• Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended.
• Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold.
• If you must smoke, do it outdoors.

The Brigade was called at 0045 and the fire was under control at 0144. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Finchley, Barnet and Hendon fire stations attended the scene.