Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a hotel basement on Craven Hill in Westminster.
A small part of the boiler room in the basement was damaged by fire. The fire also damaged water tanks leading to flood damage. Around 50 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. Thankfully no injuries are reported.
The fire is believed to have been 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 properties but also cost you your life."
The Brigade was called at 1706 and the incident was over by 1824. Fire crews from Paddington, Kensington, Hammersmith, Soho and Euston fire stations were at 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.