Two borough blazes blamed by firefighters on smokers

No-one was injured in the fires at a block of flats in Palmers Green and a shed in Enfield Wash

The aftermath of the maisonette fire in Cromie Close, Southgate — The aftermath of the maisonette fire in Cromie Close, Palmers Green (credit LFB)

Two fires in Enfield borough over the weekend are both being blamed on the “unsafe disposal of smoking materials”.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of maisonettes in Cromie Close, Palmers Green, on Saturday (16th) at around 3.30pm.

The first floor and balcony of a split level maisonette was destroyed by the fire. A small part of a second maisonette, split between the third and fourth floors, was also damaged, along with part of the front fascia and balcony.

Around 50 people left the building before London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.

Crews from Edmonton, Tottenham, Hornsey and surrounding fire stations ensured the fire was extinguished by 4.42pm.

Separately, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire in Grove Gardens, Enfield Wash on Sunday (17th) from 8.15pm.

Two sheds were destroyed by the fire but there were no reports of any injuries.

An LFB spokesperson said: “These incidents are a stark reminder that smoking is still one of the leading causes of fire in London.

“While we’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, if you are a smoker, it’s vital you make sure that your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it and disposed of responsibly. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life.

“A single careless act, such as a discarded cigarette, can have devastating consequences – threatening lives, destroying multiple homes and displacing families in a matter of minutes.

“If you are smoking on a balcony, remember that non-smokers are reliant on others to put their cigarettes right out when they’ve finished them. Make sure you dispose of your smoking materials safely in an ashtray and never drop ash or throw cigarettes from balconies.

“If you’re worried about a neighbour’s cigarette setting your balcony alight, you can reduce the risk by clearing any flammable items from the area.”

LFB’s online Home Fire Safety Checker can help residents ensure there are no hidden hazards in their home.

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