Smoking safety warning after flat fire
Firefighters have issued a smoking safety warning after a flat fire on Saturday.
A small pile of rubbish in a lift lobby on the 10th floor of the building in Thurlow Street, Walworth was damaged by the fire in the early hours.
There were no reports of any injuries and the fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “It’s incredibly challenging to give up smoking but we have been backing #Stoptober as research proves if you quit for 28 days then you’re five times more likely to quit for good. Giving up smoking can not only prevent fires but the health benefits are countless.
“As the weather gets chilly, more people may be tempted to smoke indoors. But as we’ve seen from recent incidents we’ve attended, this increases the risk of fire.
“Discarding cigarettes without ensuring they’re completely extinguished first not only puts yourself at risk but also your family, friends and neighbours. Quitting the habit is a sure-fire way to alleviate the fire risk.”
The Brigade was called at 0214 and the fire was under control by 0325. Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Old Kent Road, Peckham, Dockhead, Lambeth and Dowgate fire stations attended the scene.
Picture: PA