A flat fire on Well Street in Hackney prompted a swift response from the London Fire Brigade, with six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters working diligently to tackle the blaze.

The incident, which occurred on the first floor of a building situated above a shop, resulted in significant damage to half of a two-roomed flat. Fortunately, one occupant had already exited the premises before the arrival of emergency services and received treatment from London Ambulance Service crews at the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was ignited due to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials, specifically a cigarette. The London Fire Brigade emphasizes the importance of ensuring cigarettes are completely extinguished after use to prevent such incidents.

A spokesperson for the Brigade stated, “We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s 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.”

The incident was reported at 3.59pm and firefighters had successfully brought the fire under control by 4.53pm. Crews from Bethnal Green, Stoke Newington, Shoreditch, and Homerton fire stations promptly responded to the scene, highlighting the importance of rapid emergency response in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of residents.