Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a hotel fire in Leicester Square.
Part of a storage room on the fifth sub-basement level of the building was damaged by fire. Around 350 people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by 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.
The Brigade was called at 0731 and the fire was under control by 0828. Fire crews from Soho, Shoreditch and Euston fire stations attended the scene.
