Firefighters have issued a warning to smokers over safety after a fire caused by a lit cigarette broke out at a home.

Crews were called to a house in Hamilton Road, Ilford, yesterday evening (Sunday, July 23) at around 5.10pm after reports of a fire at a mid-terraced house.

Fire and heat damage was contained to a ground floor bedroom and there was smoke damage to the rest of the ground floor.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) investigators believe the cause of the blaze was down to the unsafe disposal of cigarettes.

An LFB spokesperson said: “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 your home, but also cost you your life.”

The brigade also advised smokers to never smoke in bed, ensure cigarettes are disposed of safely and to only smoke outdoors if possible.

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters from Ilford station attended the blaze, which had been brought under control by 5.25pm.