Flat fire – West Norwood

Firefighters rescued a man from a flat fire on Cheviot Road in West Norwood, prompting a smoking safety warning.

A small part of a two-roomed flat on the first floor of a residential home was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a man who was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

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. Stub cigarettes out properly and always dispose of them carefully.

"Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

The Brigade was called at 2158 and the fire was under control by 2257. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from West Norwood and Norbury fire stations attended the scene.

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.