Flat fire - Hackney

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters responded to a fire on Institute Place, Hackney. 

The fire was located in a first floor flat, in a residential block of five floors. Traffic in the surrounding area will be impacted as crews remain on scene. There are no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1959, and Control Officers mobilised crews from Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Homerton and surrounding fire stations to the scene. Firefighters had the incident under control by 2055.

The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

Five essential safety tips for smokers

1. It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
2. Never throw cigarette butts from a balcony, they could start a fire elsewhere.
3. Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
4. Use deep, heavy ashtrays which can’t tip over. Add a small drop of water to the ashtray and stub cigarettes out properly.
5. 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.