12:22pm Thursday 8th May 2008
By Kevin Bradford
A careless cigarette cast off could have triggered a house blaze in Mill Hill, fire investigation teams have said.
The flames ripped through the house in Longfield Avenue on Tuesday evening at about 8pm.
Four fire engines and about 20 firefighters from Mill Hill, Hendon and Finchley tackled the blaze, which they had under control an hour later.
A fire service spokesman said a family had escaped the building before the fire service arrived.
The blaze damaged part of a converted loft in the two storey house.
The spokesman added: "It is believed the fire was started by the careless disposal of smoking materials.
"Cigarettes or cigars, lighters and matches are a major cause of accidental fires in the home. By following a few safety tips, Londoners can make sure they are safe from fires caused by cigarettes."
Studies in London have shown they cause up to half of all fatal house fires and are the second biggest cause of injury.
Visit the London Fire Brigade website to find ways of preventing cigarette fires.
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