Flat fire – Hackney

Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a flat fire on Elsdale Street in Hackney.

Most of a five-roomed flat on the ground floor of a residential block was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

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.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.”

The Brigade was called at 1810 and the fire was under control by 1909. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Homerton, Bethnal Green, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch 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 armchairs 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.
• 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