A man was taken to hospital after a blaze in a maisonette caused by a cigarette that was not put out properly.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were scrambled to a block of flats in Duncan Terrace, Angel, at 8.36pm on Friday (August 9). 

Half of a maisonette split between the ground and first floor was damaged.

One man left the building before the brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. 

The fire was under control by 9.27pm.

The blaze is believed to have been accidental and caused by a cigarette not being stubbed out, London Fire Brigade said.

A fire brigade spokesperson said: "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."

Crews from Islington, Shoreditch, Euston and Soho Fire Stations attended the scene.

The brigade gave the following tips for smokers:

  • Smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
  • If indoors, use proper ashtrays and stub cigarettes out properly. 
  • Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep
  • Take extra care if tired, taking prescription drugs or drinking alcohol.
  • Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.