FIREFIGHTERS have issued a smoking safety reminder after a blaze at sheltered accommodation in Gurnell Grove, West Ealing in the early hours of this morning (2).
Part of a ground-floor day room was damaged and around 30 residents were evacuated, but there were no reports of any injuries.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.
Firefighter Joe Franklin, from Ealing fire station, who was at the scene, said: “A sofa was alight and the room was very heavily smoke-logged.
“Fortunately, as it was a day room, there was no-one in there at the time.
"It's likely the cigarette had been smouldering throughout the night before eventually starting a fire."
The brigade were called at 4.41 and the fire was under control by 5.42. Four engines and around 25 firefighters from Ealing, Southall and Acton were at the scene.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here