Pub fire - Welling

Firefighters are warning smokers to dispose of cigarettes carefully after a fire at a pub on Bellegrove Road in Welling. 

A small part of the decking of a first floor roof terrace was damaged by fire. Around 67 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The alarm was raised by a member of staff who saw flames on the roof terrace and called the Brigade.

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.

“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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.

The Brigade was called at 2346 and the fire was under control by 0029 (Sunday). Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Plumstead, Eltham, Erith and Sidcup fire stations attended the scene.