Key Points:

• Fire incident: A roof fire in Dalston Kingsland, Hackney, was caused by a lit cigarette.
• Location: Ashwin Street, Stoke Newington, near Dalston Kingsland station.
• Time of fire: Just after 5pm on April 1, during evening rush hour.
• Extent of damage: A 60 square-metre section of the roof was destroyed.
• Smoke visibility: Thick, dark smoke was seen billowing over the area.
• Cause: Fire service confirmed it was accidental, sparked by an improperly extinguished cigarette.
• Emergency response: Four fire engines and 25 firefighters responded from Stoke Newington, Islington, and Shoreditch.
• Firefighting measures: A 32-metre turntable ladder was used for aerial observation.
• Fire Brigade warning: Urges smokers to fully extinguish cigarettes to prevent fires.

A fire that destroyed a roof terrace in Stoke Newington was caused by a lit cigarette, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed.

The blaze erupted on the roof of a terraced shop and flats on Ashwin Street just after 5pm on April 1, as commuters were making their way home. The fire quickly spread across the rooftop, sending a dense column of dark smoke into the air near Dalston Kingsland station.

LFB investigators have determined the cause to be accidental, resulting from a cigarette that was not properly extinguished.

How much damage did the fire cause?

The fire destroyed a 60-square-metre section of the building’s roof, leaving extensive damage to the structure. Images from the scene showed flames engulfing the rooftop as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. No injuries were reported, but the fire’s impact was significant, with smoke visible across Hackney.

How did firefighters respond to the emergency?

Emergency services responded swiftly, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters deployed from Stoke Newington, Islington, and Shoreditch fire stations. Crews managed to bring the fire under control by 6.30pm.

A 32-metre turntable ladder was used as an observation tower, allowing the Incident Commander to assess the scale of the fire from above.

What has the London Fire Brigade said?

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade issued a strong warning about fire risks from cigarettes, stating:

“If you smoke, it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.”

“Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire.”

What is the safety advice following the incident?

Following the fire, LFB has reinforced its fire safety message, particularly regarding smoking-related fires. Smokers are urged to:

• Always use ashtrays and never throw cigarettes away carelessly.
• Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal.
• Avoid smoking near flammable materials or on balconies and rooftops.

This incident highlights the dangers of improperly discarded cigarettes, with the LFB warning that similar fires could be prevented with better fire safety practices.