Four people had to be rescued and 36 more were evacuated after a fire broke out at a hotel in central London.
Firefighters were called to the three-star Mabledon Court hotel between King’s Cross and St Pancras stations at around 2am this morning.
London Fire Brigade said part of the basement was damaged by the fire.
More than 30 guests and staff had already left the building by the time fire crews arrived on scene.
Two people had to be rescued from the fourth floor by firefighters using escape hoods.
Another pair were evacuated from the building using a turntable ladder.
London Fire Brigade believes the fire was caused by a smoker who had not put out a cigarette correctly.
Their statement said: ‘Firefighters rescued two people from the fourth floor via an internal staircase using fire escape hoods and a further two people were rescued using a turntable ladder.
‘They were all assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.’
Firefighters were called to the three-star Mabledon Court hotel between King’s Cross and St Pancras stations at around 2am this morning
They added: ‘Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people.
‘If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer.
‘They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
‘The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.’
The London Fire Brigade took the first of three calls to the fire at 1.59am and sent crews from Soho, Islington, Kentish Town and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
The blaze was under control by 3.10am – with firefighters reminding people of smoking safety advice.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘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.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Mabledon Court Hotel for comment.
