House fire – Clapham Junction

Firefighters are warning smokers to stub out cigarettes properly after a house fire on Dorothy Road in Clapham Junction.

A lean-to on the ground floor of a mid-terraced house was destroyed by the blaze and part of the first floor and the loft were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been 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.

“Never leave lit cigarettes unattended and make sure to stub them out properly and dispose of them carefully when you have finished smoking. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire, which could not only destroy your home, but also put lives at risk.”

The Brigade was called at 1855 and the fire was under control by 2100. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea, Wandsworth and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters' smoking safety tips

• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
• Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of 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.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• 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.