Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder following a fire at a flat on Baring Road in Grove Park.
Part of a second floor flat in a three-storey block was damaged by the fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man from the second floor via an internal staircase. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering with smoke inhalation.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but 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.”
The Brigade was called at 0612 and the fire was under control by 0716. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lee Green, Lewisham, Eltham and Forest Hill fire stations attended.
Safety advice for smokers:
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
- Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
- Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
- Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
- Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen, an air flow pressure relief mattress or emollient creams.
- Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.
