Firefighters are issuing a reminder to dispose of smoking materials carefully following a house fire on Kirkwood Road in Nunhead.
A garden shed was destroyed by fire, as was the rear door of the two-storey house. Half of the soffit and guttering on the property was damaged by fire. The rear door of an adjacent property was destroyed by fire, and soffit and guttering on the adjacent house was damaged by fire. The loft space of the adjacent property was also partially damaged by fire.
One adult woman left the property prior to the arrival of the Brigade and was treated on-scene by London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital. Two residents from an adjacent property left their home before the arrival of the Brigade.
The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.
"Always 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. Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.
"The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire."
The Brigade was called at 0157 and the fire was under control by 0423. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from New Cross, Peckham, Old Kent Road and Greenwich fire stations attended the scene.
• 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.