Firefighters are calling for Londoners to always make sure that cigarettes are disposed of carefully, after a fire at a house on Saint Helen's Crescent in Norbury.
Part of of a single story garage attached to a house was damaged by fire. Four adults and one child left the house before the Brigade arrived. Another adult was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The cause of the blaze is believed to be the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.
Firefighters' smoking safety tips
- 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 or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use paraffin-based emollient creams, ask for non-flammable alternatives instead.
- Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.
The Brigade was called at 0207 and the fire was under control by 0243. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Norbury and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene.
