E-Cigarette Blamed for Starting Acton Fire

High Street blaze believed to have been caused by device left on charge

Picture: London Fire Brigade

A fire which took hold in a first floor flat above a shop on Acton High Street may have been caused by an electronic cigarette left charging.

Firefighters were called to the fire above the Acton Food grocery store near the Chatsworth Bar this Monday (20 February).

Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters and officers attended the scene. Fire crews found smoke coming from a first floor front window and within the communal staircase at first floor level.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the property and extinguished the fire with main jets. No people were in the property and there were no reports of any injuries.

London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, "People assume e-cigarettes are much safer than ordinary cigarettes, and in most cases they are.

“We would urge people never to leave their e-cigarette on charge while they are away from the house or asleep and to always read the safety advice enclosed in the packaging to reduce the risk of a fire.

“As with all rechargeable electrical equipment, it’s vitally important that people use the correct type of charger for their e-cigs to prevent fires which can be serious and could even result in death.”

The Brigade was called at 3.28 and the fire was under control less than an hour later. Fire crews from Chiswick, Park Royal, Acton and Ealing fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of fire is under investigation.

February 24, 2017