Discarded Cigarette Blamed for Chatsworth Gardens Fire

Four fire engines sent to put out blaze in semi-detached house

Firefighters have issued advice to smokers. Picture: London Fire Brigade

December 13, 2022

London Fire Brigade investigators have concluded that the likely cause of a recent fire in Acton was a discarded cigarette or other smoking materials.

A smoking safety warning was issued after the incident at a semi-detached house in Chatsworth Gardens.

The brigade was called at 3.11pm on Sunday 4 December and four fire engines with 25 firefighters were sent from Acton, Chiswick, Hammersmith and Ealing fire stations.

The fire had taken hold in a flat on the ground floor. One man left the building and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

It took less than an hour to get the fire fully under control but most of the three-roomed flat was damaged.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, "We'd rather you didn't smoke at all, but if you are 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 properties, but also cost you your life."

Firefighters' smoking safety tips

• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
• Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket