Fire at restaurant with flats above - Paddington

Firefighters have issued a reminder about cooking safely following a fire at a restaurant with flats above.  

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to the fire on Bouverie Place, Paddington. 

Part of the basement was damaged by the blaze. The restaurant's external ducting - the ventilation system -  from the basement to the second floor was destroyed.  Firefighters led one man to safety from the second floor of the building. Seven people left the building before the Brigade arrived and one person left a neighbouring property.

London Ambulance Service crews treated one person on the scene for smoke inhalation.  

The cause of the fire is believed to be oil in a deep fat fryer catching alight. 

Tips on using deep fat fryers safely

• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire 
• Never fill the pan more than one third full of fat or oil 
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil- oil and water are a dangerous mix 
• Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible- they have automatic temperature controls and are much safer 

More information on using deep fat fryers safely 

The Brigade was called at 1904 and the fire was under control by 2000. Fire crews from Paddington and North Kensington fire stations attended the incident.