Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at sheltered accommodation on Gurnell Grove in West Ealing.
Part of a ground floor day room was damaged by the fire. Around 30 residents were evacuated from the premises and there were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.
Firefighter Joe Franklin from Ealing Fire Station, who was at the scene, said: “A sofa was alight and the room was very heavily smoke logged on our arrival.
“Crews worked swiftly to tackle the blaze and contained it to the room of origin.
“Fortunately as it was a day room, there was no one in there at the time of the fire so there were no injuries.
"This incident shows just how important it is to ensure cigarettes and other smoking materials are extinguished properly.
"It's likely the cigarette had been smouldering throughout the night before eventually starting a fire."
The Brigade was called at 0441 and the fire was under control by 0542. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Ealing, Southall and Acton fire stations were at the scene.
• 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.