Hotel fire – Hackney

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a hotel on Wilberforce Road in Hackney.

Part of a single-storey storage annex at the rear of the hotel was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette which ignited mixed refuse.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The fire started in an open area directly behind the hotel and next to buildings which were used for storage. Crews worked hard to stop the fire from spreading to the main hotel.

“Rubbish is a source of fuel and can cause fires to spread quickly. Fires caused by smoking materials, including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes, result in more deaths than any other type of fire. Stub cigarettes out properly and always dispose of them carefully.

“Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

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 armchairs 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.
• 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.

The Brigade was called at 1517 and the fire was under control by 1618. Fire crews from Stoke Newington, Holloway, Islington and Kentish Town fire stations attended the scene.