Fires at two London flat blocks in just one night have prompted the fire brigade to issue a warning to smokers.
Overnight on Wednesday, dozens of firefighters rushed to the blazes in Hackney and Acton, both of which were thought to be caused by cigarettes or other smoking materials that had not been properly extinguished.
Several people required medical treatment after inhaling smoke and another woman needing leading to safety.
Around 10.30pm on Wednesday, 25 firefighters in four engines were scrambled to the first fire, at a block of flats in Crabtree Close, Hackney.
One woman was rescued by crews, while around 20 residents had already evacuated the building by the time firefighters arrived.
The blaze destroyed part of a three-room flat, on the first floor of the three-storey block.
Fire investigators found the property did not have working smoke alarms, and the fire was most likely caused by “the unsafe disposal of smoking materials”.
Hours later, around 3.15am on Thursday, firefighters were called to another blaze at a block of flats in Hanbury Road, Acton.
Four fire engines again rushed to the scene, where part of a bedroom and a balcony in a third-floor flat were destroyed.
Four women had evacuated the property before the brigade arrived, and were treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation.
A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said: “Fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and most likely caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
“If you’re a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.”
LFB added that the fire in Hackney also showed “just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms fitted as the alarm failed to sound due to a defect”.
