Firefighters are warning people not to leave their cooking unattended following a fire in a restaurant with flats above in The Cut, Waterloo, on Wednesday afternoon (2 August).
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to the fire.
Part of the ducting from the ground floor to the roof was damaged by fire.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by oil being left unattended and overheating.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You should never leave cooking unattended – if you have to leave the room, turn the heat off.”
• Avoid leaving cooking unattended
• Don't cook if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy
• Take care not to lean over hot hobs and keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
• Be careful to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood and grill clean to avoid a buildup of fat and grease, which could ignite and cause a fire
• Use spark devices to light gas cookers - they are much safer than matches or lighters as they don't have a naked flame
• Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you've finished cooking
• Check toasters are clean and placed away from anything that can catch fire
• Never put anything metal in the microwave
• Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony - burning or smoldering fuel can cause carbon monoxide poisoning
• Supervise children and pets in the kitchen at all times and keep matches and saucepan handles out of reach
• Don't tackle the fire yourself and don't attempt to move the pan
• Never throw water over a fire as it could create a fireball
• Turn off the heat, if it is safe to do so
• Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999
Three people left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
The Brigade was called at 1458 and the fire was under control at 1602. Fire crews from Shoreditch, Clapham, Lambeth and Soho fire stations attended.