Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters dealt with an air conditioning unit fire at a tower block of both commercial and residential use on Winston Way in Ilford.
Half of the air conditioning unit on a third floor balcony was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
Sub-Officer Phil Bowman, who was at the scene, said:
“Firefighters accessed the fire quickly and confined it to the air conditioning unit. The commercial elements of the building were closed and all residents who were in at the time of the fire remained in their flats.”
The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
Firefighter's top tips for smoking safely
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- 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 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.
- 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.
The Brigade was called at 1245 and the fire was under control by 1331. Fire crews from Ilford, East Ham, Stratford and Barking fire stations attended the scene.
