Firefighters are reminding Londoners to dispose of cigarettes carefully after a fire at a flat on Faraday Road in North Kensington.
Part of balcony on the fourth floor was damaged by fire. One woman left the building before the Brigade arrived and was treated by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation. Two adults and one child from a neighbouring flat were also treated by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the careless disposal of cigarettes.
Firefighters top tips
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put 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
- Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use paraffin-based emollient creams, ask for non-flammable alternatives instead
The Brigade was called at 2352 and the fire was under control by 0057 (Tuesday). Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Kensington, Hammersmith, Willesden and West Hampstead fire stations attended the scene.
