Flats Inferno: Smoking Blamed for Tonnes of Damage

A devastating fire ripped through a block of flats in Thornton Heath, Croydon, destroying tonnes of building materials and leaving residents shaken. Firefighters have now issued a stark warning about the dangers of unsafe smoking.

The Dunheved Road Blaze: A Close Call for Residents

The inferno, which broke out on Dunheved Road, saw around three tonnes of building materials go up in flames. The external cladding on four flats, from the ground to the third floor, sustained damage. A small section of an external garage was also affected.

Around fifty people managed to evacuate the building before the London Fire Brigade arrived. One woman was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. The fire is believed to have been accidental, with investigators pointing to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

Thornton Heath Safety: Fire Brigade's Crucial Advice

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson stressed the importance of fire safety. "If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray," they stated. "Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire."

Firefighters are urging residents to use their online Home Fire Safety Checker. This tool helps identify potential hazards in the home and provides tailored advice. It takes only a few minutes to complete.

Control officers received the first of 13 calls at 18:26. Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters from Norbury, Croydon, and Woodside fire stations were mobilised. The fire was successfully extinguished by 19:44.

In the borough of Croydon, there were 1,177 incidents of accidental dwelling fires recorded between April 2022 and March 2023, according to the latest available data from the London Fire Brigade. This highlights the ongoing risk of fires within residential properties.

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MORE: Thornton Heath house fire: Loft destroyed, ten evacuated — https://southlondonnews.com/2026/04/28/thornton-heath-house-fire-loft-destroyed-ten-evacuated/

MORE: Flames Engulf Thornton Heath Flats: 70 Firefighters Battle Blaze — https://southlondonnews.com/2026/05/23/flames-engulf-thornton-heath-flats-70-firefighters-battle-blaze/

MORE: Shed Destroyed in Thornton Heath Garden Blaze — https://southlondonnews.com/2026/05/26/shed-destroyed-in-thornton-heath-garden-blaze/

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on an official press release issued by LFB.

Document: Flat fire - Thornton Heath

Source Link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2026/june/flat-fire-thornton-heath/