Carelessly Discarded Cigarette Sparks Serious House Fire in Measham

Discarded cigarette in a wheelie bin sparks serious house fire in Measham which spread rapidly to a car. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service says a few simple precautions can help prevent devastating fires.

Carelessly Discarded Cigarette Sparks Serious House Fire in Measham

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care when disposing of cigarettes after a house fire in Measham was caused by a cigarette that had not been fully extinguished. Smoking materials remain one of the leading causes of accidental house fires in the UK.

The incident began as a wheelie bin fire before quickly spreading to a parked car, then into a double garage and eventually the house itself. Firefighters say the blaze started after a cigarette was placed in the bin while it was still hot.

The fire service is reminding smokers to always stub cigarettes out properly before throwing them away, never dispose of cigarette ends in wheelie bins containing combustible waste, and use a suitable ashtray, ensuring ashes are completely cold before disposal. They also advise people not to smoke if they are feeling tired or drowsy and to keep smoking materials well away from anything that could easily catch fire.

Firefighters say the incident is a stark reminder that something as small as a discarded cigarette can quickly escalate into a devastating fire, causing significant damage and putting lives at risk.