West Hampstead fire: Firefighters say cigarette butt caused new build blaze
The building on fire in West Hampstead. Picture: Lucas Cumiskey - Credit: Archant
After the devastating fire at new build block of flats in West Hampstead yesterday saw families evacuated and five balconies destroyed, London Fire Brigade revealed they believe a discarded cigarette butt caused the blaze.
The brigade’s investigators said the fire was thought to have been started by a cigarette left in a plant pot on the balcony of the third floor of the Orwell building on Heritage Lane.
Firefighters have also issued a smoking safety warning after the inferno which left residents terrified.
The brigade said: “We would rather people didn’t smoke at all but if they do, vaping is a safer option.
“If you do choose to smoke cigarettes, it is absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
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“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.”
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