Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident which, according to London Fire Brigade investigators, was caused by smoking materials.
A fire at a playhouse in Stockwell was a reminder of the dangers of smoking amidst this year’s Stoptober.
Part of the 16th floor of the five-room two-level maisonette on Lingham Street was damaged by a blaze which London Fire Brigade fire investigators said was caused by smoking materials.
The brigade was called at 12:09 am and brought the fire under control at 12:58 am. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Brixton, Lambeth, Peckham, Clapham and Tooting fire stations attended the scene.
A woman left the building before the brigade arrived and was treated on site by teams from the London Ambulance Service after inhaling smoke.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Department said: “Quitting smoking can not only prevent fires, but the health benefits are endless.
“We would prefer you not to smoke at all, but if you are a smoker it is absolutely essential to make sure your cigarette is completely extinguished when you are done smoking.
“If you don’t, you risk starting a fire that could not only destroy properties but also cost you your life.”
Safety tips for smokers include:
- Make sure cigarettes are extinguished and disposed of properly.
- Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking on armchairs and sofas, especially if you think you might fall asleep.
- Use suitable ashtrays, which cannot tip over and crush cigarettes properly.
- Always empty ashtrays with care. Make sure smoking items are outside, cold, and preferably wet, before you throw them away in the trash – never use a wastebasket.