Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire on London Road in Romford.
Crews were called to the fire after a member of the public saw a large pile of domestic waste alight at the rear of a shop with flats above.
The fire had spread from the rubbish into a storeroom at the rear of the shop and the Brigade's fire investigation team believe it was accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette. The storeroom was destroyed by the fire.
One man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. Around 17 people left the flats above the shop before the Brigade arrived.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you're 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.”
The Brigade was called at 2018 (May 24) and the fire was under control by 0002 (May 25). Fire crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Ilford, Woodford and Harold Hill fire stations attended the scene.