House fire - Welling

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to a fire on Eastcote Road, Welling. 

The fire was located in a mid-terraced house of two floors. Part of the ground floor was damaged during the incident, and an external pergola was destroyed by the fire. There are no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade received the first of 20 calls reporting the fire at 2103, and Control Officers mobilised crews from Plumstead, Eltham and East Greenwich fire stations to the scene. Firefighters had the incident under control by 2208. 

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.