House fire – New Cross

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a house fire on Milton Court Road in New Cross.

Half of the first floor and the entire roof of an end-of-terrace house were damaged by fire. Firefighters carried out a systematic search of an adjoining roof to check for any fire spread. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been 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.

“Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing them into a bin. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire.”

The Brigade was called at 0839 and the fire was under control by 0954. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Peckham, Old Kent Road, Forest Hill, Brixton, Deptford and New Cross 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.