Firefighters are issuing a smoking safety reminder after a flat fire in Ingrave Street, Battersea, last Saturday (August 19).

The fire damaged around half of a fourth floor flat in an eight storey block and is believed to be caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

There were no reported injuries.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you're 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.”

Firefighters have issued the following advice:

- Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted in every room you regularly use in your home including in the hallways.

- Never smoke in bed.

- Always ensure you stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully.

- Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.

- Never leave lit cigarettes or cigars unattended.

- Empty ashtrays carefully, ensuring all smoking materials are stubbed out and cold.

- If you must smoke, do it outdoors.

The Brigade was called at 4.23pm and the fire was under control at 4.54pm. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers from from Battersea, Clapham, Fulham, Wandsworth, Paddington, Tooting and Lambeth fire stations attended the incident.