Firefighters are reminding business owners to ensure they have fire alarms fitted in their premises after a fire at a takeaway restaurant in Mottingham.
A resident in a flat above the restaurant discovered the fire after they smelled burning. The resident attempted to put out the fire out themselves using a fire extinguisher before calling 999. The man, who left the building before fire crews arrived, suffered slight smoke inhalation and was to hospital as a precaution by London Ambulance Service crews.
There was no fire alarm fitted in the restaurant or smoke alarms in the flats above.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fortunately this fire was spotted before it got out of control but we would always urge people to call 999 immediately and not to try and tackle fires themselves.
“This incident is also a reminder to both business owners and residents to fit fire or smoke alarms.
“Fire alarms will alert you at the earliest opportunity to a fire and they can buy you vital time to escape but it is crucial that these alarms are properly fitted and maintained.
“In residential properties, there should be at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home or in any room where there is a risk of a fire starting. Heat alarms should also be fitted in kitchens and bathrooms.”
The Brigade was called at 0725 and the fire was under control by 0756. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Eltham and Bromley fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of a circuit board within a chiller display cabinet.