Cigarette sparks flat fire

SMOKERS are being urged to take extra care after a lit cigarette caused a flat fire in Worcester which left two people with minor burns.

Two fire crews were called to the flat in Wood House Close at 6.20pm on Saturday, April 21 after a smoke alarm went off.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled a fire in the lounge of the ground floor flat before the smoke was cleared from the property. The two occupants were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Station commander Guy Palmer, from HWFRS, said: “Thanks to an early alert from the smoke alarm and the prompt attendance of fire crews, damage was limited to the lounge area where the fire started.

“However, the fire was caused by a cigarette and we want other smokers to be aware that this has happened and to be extra vigilant themselves.”

He urged smokers to follow simple precautions to avoid a fire in their home including making sure their cigarette is properly put out, as well as getting a smoke alarm fitted and regularly tested.

People are also advised not to smoke in bed and avoid consuming drugs and alcohol when smoking.

Lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes should never be left unattended and people should use a proper, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn.

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