Unsafely disposed of 'smoking materials' cause Ilford fire

An air conditioning unit was set alight by the smoking materials on a third-floor balcony in Winston Way at 12.45pm (September 23).

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters from Ilford, East Ham, Stratford and Barking fire stations were called to the blaze.

Half of the air conditioning unit was damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

Sub-Officer Phil Bowman, who was at the scene, said: “Firefighters accessed the fire quickly and confined it to the air conditioning unit. The commercial elements of the building were closed and all residents who were in at the time of the fire remained in their flats.”

The brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of "smoking materials".

The fire was reported under control by 1.31pm.

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.