Out building fire - Walthamstow

Firefighters are issuing a safety reminder about smoking after a fire at an outbuilding on Chingford Road in Walthamstow.

Part of a single storey building was destroyed by fire. 

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

Station Officer Carl Gibbons was at the scene, he said: "Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire.

"If you smoke it's 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."

The Brigade was called at 2155 and the incident was over for firefighters at 2331. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Walthamstow, Leyton and Tottenham 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.