Flat fire - Mitcham

Firefighters are warning Londoners to make sure they dispose of cigarettes carefully after a fire at a flat on Aventine Avenue in Mitcham.

Most of a maisonette on the second and third floors of the building and a balcony on the third floor were damaged by fire. Around 10 residents left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was discovered when neighbours saw smoke and flames on the balcony and alerted the resident to the fire. They then left the building and called the Brigade.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 21 calls to the blaze.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "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.”

 Firefighters' smoking safety tips

1. It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
2. Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
3. Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
4. Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
5. 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.
6. Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
7. 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.
8. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
9. 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.
10. Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.

The Brigade was called at 1128 and the fire was under control by 1247. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Stanmore and Brixton fire stations attended the scene.