Fire at The New Cross Turnpike pub in Welling caused by cigarette

Firefighters are warning smokers to dispose of cigarettes carefully after a fire at a pub on Saturday night.

A small part of the decking of a first floor roof terrace at the Wetherspoon pub The New Cross Turnpike, in Bellegrove Road, Welling, was damaged by fire.

Around 67 people left the building before the fire brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The alarm was raised by a member of staff who saw flames on the roof terrace and called the brigade.

The brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

The Brigade was called just after 11.45pm and the fire was under control by 12.30am on Sunday.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Plumstead, Eltham, Erith and Sidcup fire stations attended the scene.

Pictured top: The New Cross Turnpike