A MAN was taken to hospital this lunchtime for smoke inhalation following an accidental fire at a flat in Trowbridge caused by a discarded cigarette.

Fire crews were first alerted to the blaze at a three storey block of flats in Sparrow Street at 11.20am.

Three fire engines were in attendance including Trowbridge, Melksham and Westbury. The aerial appliance from Bath also attended the scene but was not needed.

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire which was contained to the living room.

The occupant of the flat was treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service, having suffered smoke inhalation, and he was then taken to hospital by road ambulance.

Station Manager Richard Humphrey said: “This was a fire that could have been a lot worse, especially if it had started at night. The best way of protecting yourself and others in your home from this risk is to give up smoking altogether; failing that, we would recommend that you only ever smoke outside. If you have to smoke indoors, remember to ‘put it out - right out’ and follow our simple advice to keep your home as safe as possible.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue service are recommending that: 

  • Make sure cigarettes, cigars and pipes are properly extinguished when you have finished smoking.
  • Don’t leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily over-balance as they burn down, and this could lead to a fire starting.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Use a proper ashtray that won’t tip over easily and is made of material that won’t burn.
  • Never tap ash or empty an ashtray into a wastepaper basket.
  • Empty ashtrays frequently, damping down the contents with water before disposing of them into a metal bin outside the home.
  • 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 clothing, bed or chair on fire.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
  • Always have working smoke alarms in your home and test them regularly.

For more information on staying fire safe, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/safetyinthehome