Flat fire - Heston

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a block of flats on Biscoe Close in Heston.

Part of a flat and part of its balcony on the seventh floor of a 16-storey block were damaged by the fire. Around 80 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "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.

"If you're smoking on your balcony, you should never throw your cigarette over the side. It could easily catch light to possessions on a balcony below or next to yours.”

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 28 calls to the blaze.

The Brigade was called at 1631 and the fire was under control by 1759. Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Heston, Southall, Feltham, Hayes and Heathrow fire stations were at the scene.

Safety advice for smokers:

• Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended.
• Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold.
• If you must smoke, do it outdoors.