Small fire by storeroom - Parsons Green

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder following a small fire at a building on New King's Road in Parsons Green.

Crews extinguished a small fire by the storeroom at street level of a shop with flats above. The fire caused a small amount of damage to a ground water gutter, but no damage was done to the shop. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette which ignited a build up of debris in a ground water gutter.

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 property, but also cost you your life.”

The Brigade was called at 1504 and the fire was under control by 1557. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wandsworth, Chelsea, Hammersmith and Battersea fire stations were at the scene.

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.