Firefighters issue smoking safety warning after flat fire in Walthamstow

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety warning after a carelessly discarded cigarette is believe to have caused a fire at a shop with flats above in Broughton Place, Walthamstow.

Part of flats on the first floor, second floor and third floor were damaged by the fire. A woman was rescued from the first floor balcony by crews wearing breathing apparatus who used a ladder to bring her to safety. One man was led to safety from the fourth floor by firefighters.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was due to the unsafe disposal of smoking material, such as cigarettes.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We would rather people didn’t smoke at all but if they do, vaping is a safer option.

"If you do choose to smoke cigarettes, it is 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’s 999 Control Officers took 19 calls to the fire.

The Brigade was called at 1852 and the fire was under control at 2028. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers from Walthamstow, Tottenham, Leytonstone and Edmonton fire stations attended the scene.