Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a house fire on Ivyhouse Road in Dagenham.
Half of the first floor and part of the loft space of a mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. A man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade was called at 1948 and the fire was under control by 2104. Fire crews from Dagenham, Ilford and Old Kent Road fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and the most likely cause was the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
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.
