Smoking safety reminder after flat fire in Harrow

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a discarded cigarette is believed to have caused a flat fire on Lyon Road in Harrow.

A flat on the fifth floor of the eight floor building was completely destroyed by fire. An adjacent flat on the fifth floor and the flat above the flat where the fire broke out were also damaged in the blaze.

Firefighters led one woman and one child to safety from the fifth floor of the building. Around 80 people evacuated the building before the Brigade arrived. Fortunately, no injuries are reported and no medical treatment was required.   

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.”

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.

At the height of the fire the Brigade’s 999 Control centre received 35 calls alerting them to the blaze.

The Brigade was called at 0924 and the fire was under control by 1045. Crews from Harrow, Northolt, Stanmore  and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.