FIRE chiefs issued a warning about the dangers of smoking inside after a house fire in Wisbech yesterday.

Two fire crews were called to a house in De Havilland Road to extinguish the blaze.

The accidental fire is thought to have been caused by carelessly discarded cigarettes.

A fire service spokesperson said: “The best way to reduce the risk of a house fire is to smoke outside.

“However, if you must smoke inside, always use a stable ashtray that can’t easily be knocked over and ensure you extinguish each cigarette fully.

“If you smoke inside it is also vital that you have a working smoke alarm, so that if there is a fire, you are alerted to it quickly, allowing you and your family time to escape.”