London Fire Brigade issue warning to smokers after flat fire in Shepherd's Bush
A woman had to be rescued from a flat after a blaze, believed by the force to have been caused by a cigarette
The London Fire Brigade say the best way to stop fires caused by smoking is to give up smoking after a blaze earlier this week in Shepherds Bush.
A woman was rescued from a flat fire and later taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.
It took around 25 firefighters and 4 engines from Acton, North Kensington, Hammersmith and Chiswick to put it out after a neighbour saw flames through a window at the property on Askew Road on Thursday night (19 October).
They say part of the ground floor flat, inside a four-storey house converted into flats, was damaged by fire, with one woman given given immediate emergency care by firefighters before being taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.
The LFB are treating the cause of the fire as accidental, with the blaze is believed to have been caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials - most likely a cigarette.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "The Brigade was alerted by a neighbour who heard a smoke alarm sounding and, following investigation, saw flames through a window.
“If you're 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.
“Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.
“The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”