Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of flats on Western Gateway in Canning Town.
Half of the balcony of a flat on the second floor of a 20-storey block was damaged by the fire and a small part of the flat was damaged. The fire also damaged half of of a third story balcony. Three women left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 0438 and the fire was under control by 0654. Fire crews from Plaistow, Millwall, Stratford, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
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 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, an air flow pressure relief mattress or emollient creams.
• Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.