FIREFIGHTERS have issued a smoking safety warning after tackling a blaze at a flat in the early hours of Saturday.

One man was treated by paramedics at the scene as crews spent an hour tackling the blaze at a property in Mildmay Park.

Investigators say they believe it was started accidentally due to what the London Fire Brigade said was the “unsafe disposal of smoking materials”.

Five 999 calls had been made by people raising the alarm. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are 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 properties but also cost you your life.”

Firefighters said smokers should use ashtrays that cannot tip up and people should take extra care when they are tired late at night.