A discarded cigarette sparked a fire in a first-floor flat that led to a mass evacuation.
Firefighters from Temple and Bedminster dealt with the blaze in William Street, Bedminster, at 4.24am on Sunday (June 30 2019).
On arrival two firefighters in breathing apparatus used one high-pressure hose reel to extinguish the fire, while 31 people had to leave their homes.
They also used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property.
An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesman said the fire was caused by a cigarette and is thought to be accidental.
No one has been injured. There was no fire damage visible from outside the properties in William Street this morning.
Smoking fire risk
Smoking is the single biggest cause of fire deaths in the UK.
Avon Fire and Rescue has given the following advice to prevent smoking leading to fires:
- Never smoke in bed.
- Use a proper ashtray – never a wastepaper basket.
- Make sure your ashtray can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn.
- Don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around. They can easily fall over and start a fire.
- Take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you’ve been drinking. You might fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Consider buying child resistant lighters and matchboxes.
