Fire in Canning Town flats caused by “a carelessly discarded cigarette”

London Fire Brigade were called to the blaze early Saturday morning (credit: London Fire Brigade)

A fire in a block of flats in Canning Town is believed to have been caused by a “carelessly discarded cigarette.”

Around 60 firefighters were called to the blaze in Western Gateway at 4.38am on Saturday morning. 

Eight fire engines and crews from Plaistow, Millwall, Stratford, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

Three women left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was under control by 6.54am.

Half of the balcony of a flat on the second floor of a 20-storey block was damaged by the fire and a small part of the flat was damaged.

The fire also damaged half of of a third story balcony.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

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