Four fire engines and 21 firefighters from across London were called to a rubbish chute fire last night.
Fire crews from Woodford Green, Chingford, Leytonstone and Tottenham were called to tackle a fire at a block of flats in Navestock Crescent, Woodford Green at 11.26pm on Sunday.
No one was injured, but around 15 people had to be evacuated from their flats until the fire was put out at 1.10am.
Investigators believe the fire was started by someone leaving a cigarette in a rubbish bag that caught fire inside the waste disposal chute between the seventh and eighth floor of the building.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “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 your home, but also cost you your life.”
Last year approximately three fires a day in London were linked to smoking.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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