Office block fire - The Strand

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at an office block on The Strand.

A small part of the roof of the eight storey block was damaged by fire.

The Brigade was alerted to the fire by construction workers who were working on another part of the building and could smell smoke.

Firefighters believe the cause of the fire was due to the careless disposal of smoking materials.

Station Officer Tim Martin was at the scene, he said:  “Fires caused by smoking materials including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes, result in more deaths than any other type of fire.

“Never leave lit cigarettes unattended and make sure to stub them out properly and dispose of them carefully when you have finished smoking. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire, which could not only destroy your home, but also put lives at risk.”

The Brigade was called at 0322 and the fire was under control by 0454. Fire crews from Soho, Dowgate and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.

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.