Woman led to safety after shop fire in Mayfair causes alarm in flats above

Firefighters have issued a reminder of their smoking safety advice following a fire at a shop with flats above it on Bruton Place in Mayfair.

Half of the roof terrace of the four-storey building was damaged by fire on Saturday morning, and a five-roomed flat on the third floor was partially damaged by fire.

One woman from an adjacent flat was led to safety by firefighters. There are no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 14 calls to the blaze. The Brigade was first called at around 10.30am and the fire was under control by 11.45am. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Euston, Paddington, Kensington and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

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.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.

“If you’re smoking on your balcony, you should never throw your cigarette over the side. It could easily catch light to possessions on a balcony below or next to yours.”

Safety advice for smokers: Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways; Never smoke in bed; Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully and keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Other advice: Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended; Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold; If you must smoke, do it outdoors, but make sure to dispose of cigarettes properly.

Picture: LFB