A fire in Salford which was caused by a cigarette has lead fire services to launch an urgent warning to those living in flats.
Crews were called to an apartment block on Blackfriars Road last Friday evening (9 June), where a fire on a wooden balcony on the 13th floor of an apartment block ignited, after a cigarette was left in a dry plant pot.
The fire caused the safety glass on the balcony to shatter and fall onto balconies below, while burning debris fell onto a balcony further down causing a second fire.
Crew from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene and prevented the fires from spreading further.
No one was injured in the incident but several balconies were damaged.
GMFRS’ Head of Protection, Jenni Seex, said: “We want residents to be able to enjoy their balconies but to also ensure they don’t put themselves or anyone else in danger.
“Barbecues and discarded cigarettes are the most common causes of fires on balconies, which is why GMFRS will be taking a tougher approach to residents who put their property and neighbours at risk by having barbeques on their balconies this summer.
“Never barbecue on your balcony as this poses a real risk of fire, due to the close proximity of the buildings. Anyone who does so is endangering themselves and their neighbours.
“If you smoke make sure that cigarettes are properly stubbed out in an ashtray – don’t drop them into plant pots or drop them off balconies as this can cause a fire.”
Similar incidents have been reported in Wythenshawe and Manchester City Centre.
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