Fire at residential home – Tooting Bec

Firefighters are sharing their fire safety tips for smokers after a fire at a residential home on Trinity Road in Tooting Bec.

Half of a room on the second floor of the building was damaged by fire. One person left the building before the Brigade arrived and was assessed on scene.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The fire was discovered by someone inside the building who could smell burning followed by hearing the smoke alarms sounding. Everyone was out of the property before the Brigade arrived.

“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 your home, but also cost you your life.

“This is also a reminder to test your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning to fire, providing time to escape. You should have smoke alarms in every room where a fire could start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen.”

The Brigade was called at 2155 and the fire was under control by 2230. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Tooting and West Norwood fire stations attended 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 armchairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out 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.