Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a construction site on Greenwich View Place in Tower Hamlets.
Firefighters tackled a fire at a five storey building that was under construction. An area of plywood and building materials on the fifth floor, the roof and an air conditioning unit was damaged by the fire.
The Brigade was called at 1718 and the fire was under control by 1835. Fire crews from Millwall, Poplar, Shadwell and Whitechapel fire stations attended the fire.
The fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking material.
10 essential safety tips for smokers
- It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
- Never throw cigarette butts from a balcony, they could start a fire elsewhere.
- Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
- Use deep, heavy ashtrays which can’t tip over. Add a small drop of water to the ashtray and stub cigarettes out properly.
- Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended, or sat on the edge of an ashtray – they can tip and fall as they burn away.
- Empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin. Never use a wastepaper basket.
- Take extra care when you’re tired, and if you're drinking alcohol or taking prescription or recreational drugs.
- Avoid buying counterfeit cigarettes, they are less likely to self-extinguish, which increases the risk of fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
- Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use emollients and skin creams, or use fire retardant bedding consider using fire retardant bedding or nightwear.
