A flat in Camberwell had caught fire following what is believed to be a case of a cigarette not being properly put out.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has spoken out about a fire that broke out at 7 a.m. on the second floor of a five-room flat in Camber Grove, Camberwell last week.
25 firefighters and 4 fire engines from Old Kent Road, Peckham and Brixton had been called to the scene.
One woman was rescued through a ladder and was sent to the hospital for excessive smoke-inhalation. Two cats were also rescued by firefighters entering the building wearing breathing apparatuses. Another woman was able to escape the flat before the Brigade arrived.
The fire has sparked comments from the LFB about the increased safety risks surrounding inattentive smoking.
“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.” A spokesperson from the LFB advised.
The London Tobacco Alliance (LTA) has stated that smoking is a “major cause of fire fatalities in the UK”, and that a third of fire-related deaths in residential areas from 2018 to 2022 have been caused by smoking.
Another report shows that the LFB has seen on average eight fatal fires and 110 injuries related to smoking each year.
The LTA has as well further highlighted that whilst it can be difficult to find the cause of “each and every” grass fire, firefighters believe careless disposal of smoking materials has played a significant role in causing grass, rubbish and open-land-related fires in the UK.
The LBF has partnered up with the LTA to raise awareness around tobacco and vape-related fires and hopes to set up educational and accessible services to help Londoners quit smoking.
The Borough commander of the LBF, Richard Tapp said he hopes through a partnership with LTA to be able to reach out to even more Londoners to educate about the dangers of smoking.
“Ultimately, together we will be able to save more lives that are tragically lost to tobacco related harm through collaboration with the London Tobacco Alliance.” He commented.
