Firefighters have repeated their warning to smokers about the safe disposal of cigarettes after a freak accident nearly caused a major fire in Barnsley.

Engines from Tankersley and Stocksbridge fire stations were called to Spring Row, Thurgoland just after midnight last night after neighbours spotted smoke rising from the roof of a property currently undergoing building work.

The fire was caused after a neighbour accidentally flicked a discarded cigarette butt through an open sky light, which then landed on the roof of the property.

The fire itself was very small, with the cigarette igniting some plastic sheeting used to cover the open roof during the building work. But firefighters say on another day the incident could have been far more serious.

Smokers can help to keep the risk of fire low, by following some basic fire safety advice:

·   Make totally sure that your butts aren’t still smoldering - wet them and empty your ashtray into a metal bin outside the house

·   Never smoke in bed - it's very easy to fall asleep and allow your cigarette to set light to your bedclothes or furnishings

·   Don’t smoke if you’re drowsy - especially if you're sitting in a comfortable chair or if you've been drinking or taking prescription drugs. Again, it’s easy to fall asleep

·   Don’t leave a lighted cigarette, pipe or cigar unattended - they can easily overbalance and land on the carpet or other flammable material

·   Keep lighters, matches and smoking materials out of the reach of children – you can also buy child-resistant lighters and containers for matches