Firefighters have issued safety warnings after discovering fire doors propped open at a fire in a flat which is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to the fire at a block of flats in Baker Street, Marylebone.
Part of a six-roomed flat on the first floor was damaged by the fire. One woman left the property before the arrival of the Brigade. She was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. Some fire doors inside the block had also been wedged opened which meant smoke had travelled through the property.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Smoking vastly increases the risk of having a fire in your home.
“We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
“If you don’t you are at risk of starting a fire that could destroy not only your home but your life and the lives of your loved ones.
“We also found a number of fire doors wedged open at this property which is unfortunately something our crews see all too often.
“Fire doors can play a life saving role, especially in residential buildings as they stop fires from spreading. In September we backed a national fire safety door campaign to explain how important they are.
“It is concerning that the lives of the public and our firefighters are still being put at risk by poorly maintained fire doors and people acting irresponsibly by removing self closers, keeping doors wedged open or even in some cases replacing them."
• 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 1235 and the fire was under control at 1349. Fire crews from Paddington, Euston, Soho and Kensington fire stations attended the scene.