Updated statement from Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development.
Published: Wednesday, 5th June 2024
Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said:
“London Fire Brigade (LFB) were this morning called to a fire at the Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford. It is now extinguished. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the building has been damaged.
“LFB have completed their investigation and confirmed the fire is being treated as accidental, believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials outside the building which then spread inside.
“We will now start to assess the degree of damage to the building and the next steps. We are also liaising with the Hounslow Arts Trust, who are currently based in the building, to understand the impact on them.”
A London Fire 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."
For further information about the on-going investigation please contact the London Fire Brigade Press Office.
