Flat fire - Wandsworth

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters were called to a small kitchen fire at a block of flats block on Windlesham Grove in Wandsworth. 

Part of a kitchen within a flat of the five-storey building was damaged by the fire. One man left the property before the Brigade arrived. He was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. 

The Brigade's fire investigation team believe the fire was caused by cooking on a gas hob. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fortunately there was a smoke alarm fitted in this property, which alerted the resident to the fire.

“This incident is also a timely reminder to make sure you never  leave cooking unattended. If you do have to leave the room or house, turn the heat off.” 

The Brigade was called at 0856 and the fire was under control by 0920. Fire crews from Wandsworth and Fulham fire stations attended.

 The Brigade’s top kitchen safety tips:

• Never leave cooking unattended, even for a moment
• Always make sure the cooker is switched off once you’ve finished using it 
• Keep your oven, hob and grill clean and free from grease – a build up can be a fire hazard 
• Don’t store things like cookbooks or teatowels close to the hob as they can easily catch fire 
• Avoid cooking if you’ve been drinking alcohol 
• Never fill a pan more than a third full with oil 
• Dry chips before putting them in oil 
• Never throw water onto hot oil or fat 
• If a fire does break out you should turn the heat off if it’s safe to do so but don’t try to tackle the fire by yourself.
• Get everyone out of the house and call 999 immediately