Careless smoking blamed as woman flees Mitcham flat (From Your Local Guardian)

Careless smoking blamed as woman flees Mitcham flat

8:50am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Wimbledon By Omar Oakes

Smoking nearly immediately killed a woman who narrowly escaped a serious fire at her flat.

Four fire engines and about 20 firefighters were called to the blaze in Lewis Road, Mitcham, at 2.42pm on Sunday, February 12.

The woman escaped from the flat before fire crews arrived and sought refuge in a neighbour’s flat while firefighters put out the flames.

She was later taken to hospital and was treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman revealed the cause of the fire was being investigated and was supected to be the careless disposal of a cigarette.

He said: "A third of all fires in the home are caused by smoking materials and you should always make sure your cigarette is properly out.

“Thankfully the lady inside this property was alerted to the fire by her smoke alarm and this probably saved her life.

“Smoke alarms are essential and can provide vital early warning and buy you extra time to escape if there is a fire."

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