Firefighters issue smoking safety reminder after shop fire in West Hampstead

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a shop on West End Lane in West Hampstead.

Two external air conditioning units were destroyed by fire. Approximately 30 members of the public left the building before the arrival of the Brigade and thankfully there were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of cigarettes.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.

"Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire."

 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 1200 and the fire was under control by 1223. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Paddington, Wembley and North Kensington fire stations attended the scene.