Cigarette causes garden sheds fires - Bexley

Firefighters are urging Londoners to dispose of their cigarettes carefully following a fire at a range of sheds in Ravensbourne Road, Bexley

Following an investigation, firefighters believe that the fire was caused by discarded cigarette which makes it the eighth London fire in under three weeks found to be caused by smoking. 

Two sheds were destroyed by fire, which were in the gardens of houses along Ravensbourne Road. There are no reports of injuries. As a precaution, firefighters removed two 15kg butane cylinders which were close to but not directly involved in the blaze. Crews cooled them down as cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

The Brigade was alerted by a member of public who saw flames they believed to be coming from a tree. 999 Control Officers took an additional 15 calls, including from the resident of the affected property.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “A heatwave often causes a surge in fires but there are some simple things people should do to prevent them. Everyone has a role to play in preventing fires, so be careful with how you put out cigarettes and matches, and butts should be fully stubbed out and not tossed into bins, onto the floor or out of windows. We would rather people didn’t smoke at all but if they do, vaping is a safer option.”

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.

Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Bexley and Erith Fire stations attended the scene.

The Brigade was called at 1957 and the fire was under control at 2108.