Firefighters are reminding people not to leave cooking unattended following a flat fire on John Harrison Way in Greenwich on Monday evening (12, June).
Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Greenwich and East Greenwich fire stations quickly extinguished the blaze which left part of the first floor flat in the nine storey block damaged. One man escaped before the Brigade arrived and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a dog from the flat.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You should never leave cooking unattended – if you have to leave the room or the house, make sure to turn the heat off before you do.”
The Brigade was called at 1806 and the fire was under control by 1903.
• 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