Smoking materials cause fire at Middleton flat

A Middleton flat has been damaged after carelessly discarded smoking materials set light to rubbish outside.

Firefighters from Blackley and Heywood were called to the ground floor flat on Mellalieu Street at around 1.30am this morning (Friday, 8 February).

The fire involved a pile of rubbish that spread to the flat causing around 10 per cent damage.

White Watch firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to tackle the fire, later using a pressure fan to remove smoke from the property.

As a result of the fire the flat also suffered from smoke damage.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "I would urge people to ensure that when you stub out a cigarette make sure it is fully out - tobacco is designed to stay alight and cigarettes can easily start an accidental fire.

"Always use an ashtray - make sure the ashtray can't be easily knocked over, don't let ash build up and never tap your ash into a waste paper basket.

"Please ensure you have working smoke alarms in your property and if you haven't had a Home Safety Check please contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service."

GMFRS is advising people to take extra care when smoking, or better still, stop smoking all together.