Smoker fires up agency

The Highways Agency was closed this week after a massive blaze destroyed the 10th floor of its headquarters in Southwark Street, London. The fire is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette in the 10th floor canteen. A Highways Agency spokesman said: 'We are not speculating at this stage what caused the fire but we are ruling out foul play.' He added that the building is now being checked for asbestos or any other hazardous substances that might have been exposed during the blaze. The Agency is hoping to be back in its headquarters by the end of the week.