Firefighters rescue two people after roof fire in Walthamstow

Firefighters rescued two people using a ladder after a carelessly discarded cigarette caused a roof fire in Billet Road in Walthamstow.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe a cigarette which had not been properly extinguished was thrown from a window onto a flat roof. Approximately 30 per cent of the roof of the flats above a shop was damaged by fire.

Crews used a ladder to rescue a man and a woman from a first floor flat. A further eight people were led to safety by firefighters via an internal staircase and five people left the building before the arrival of the Brigade.

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 was called at 2233 and the fire was under control at 0032. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers from Walthamstow, Tottenham, Chingford, Stoke Newington and Woodford fire stations attended the scene.