Balcony fire - Isle of Dogs

Firefighters are urging people to ensure they fully extinguish their cigarettes after a balcony fire in the Isle of Dogs.

The Brigade’s 999 control officers received 14 calls to the fire on an 11^th floor balcony in the 33 storey block of flats on Marsh Wall.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze. Thankfully no injuries are reported.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the 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 as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire."

The Brigade was called at 1429 and the fire was under control at 1535. Fire crews from Shadwell, Whitechapel, Poplar and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.

Smoking safety top tips

• 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 arm chairs 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.