House fire - Manor Park

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a terraced house in Morris Avenue, Manor Park.

Part of the ground floor was damaged by the fire and a small part of the roof was also damaged as well as part of a brick-built outbuilding.

Firefighters cooled and removed a propane cylinder as cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials, such as a cigarette or match.

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.

"There was also inadequate smoke detection throughout the property. Fortunately no one was injured in this fire, but it is absolutely vital that people have working smoke alarms throughout their homes.

"We urge people to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.

"Smoke alarms will give the earliest possible warning if a fire breaks out.”

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 1340 and the fire was under control at 1453. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Ilford, Plaistow and Leytonstone fire stations attended the scene.