Firefighters are urging Londoners to check they have working smoke alarms after a discarded cigarette is believed to have caused a fire at a flat on Hanworth Road in Hounslow.
An occupant returning to the flat discovered the fire after seeing smoke.
A bedroom on the first floor and a kitchen were damaged by fire. The remainder of the flat was damaged by heat and smoke. There were no reported injuries.
The Brigade's fire investigation team believe the fire was caused by the unsafe use of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “There were no smoke alarms in this property. Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered.
"Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom. They should be tested regularly.
“You should also take extra care if you are a smoker. It’s 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:
The Brigade was called at 2010 and the fire was under control by 2051. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Heston and Feltham fire stations attended the scene.