Skyscraper fire in east London was caused by smoking

A fire at a high rise building in Blackwall was started after someone was smoking in a flat, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has revealed.

Around 70 firefighters tackled a flat fire on the 25th floor of the 45-storey building, which destroyed part of a flat and an entire balcony.

There were no reported injuries.

LFB said ten fire engines were scrambled to tackle the flat fire shortly before 1.30pm on Monday at New Providence Wharf, Biscayne Avenue.

The fire is being treated as accidental and firefighters believe it was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A Brigade spokesperson said: "If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.

"Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire."

The LFB said the blaze had been brought under control by 2.50pm but it continued to produce a large amount of smoke.

Those in the local area were advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid Biscayne Avenue, the LFB said.

Dylan Lee, 28, who saw flames and smoke billowing from the structure while he was in his apartment in Canary Wharf opposite, said he felt "dread" at the sight.

The designer and VFX artist told PA: "Around 13:25, an alarm rang out when I noticed smoke billowing from the apartment.

"Debris and pieces had fallen from the balcony, glass shattered and caused the fire to expand and engulf the space, with flames reaching out as the wind carried the smoke."

He said the fire brigade arrived 20 minutes later and added: "I felt dread, especially considering this is the second apartment fire in 24 hours in East London alone.

"I'm hoping the residents made it out OK and the firefighters are in one piece. This was somebody's home."

The fire came just hours after firefighters tackled a huge fire at an apartment in Dagenham.