Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a takeaway restaurant fire on Bromley Road in Bellingham.
Most of takeaway restaurant was destroyed by fire as well as half of the ducting leading from the ground floor kitchen to first floor flats.
The Brigade received the first of around five calls at 1648 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Bromley, Lewisham and Forest Hill fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1800.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the ignition of grease in the ducting.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We'd like to remind restaurant and takeaway owners to ensure they don't have dirty ducting. If you don't clean your extraction system regularly, you're at a greater risk of ducting fires.
"You should also make sure you keep the hob, cooker hood and extractor fan clean too – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire."
Firefighters' top tips for restaurants and takeaways
- Have ducting in your extraction system (ventilation) cleaned regularly
- Ensure ducting is installed correctly
- 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
- Ensure your electrical system is regularly tested
- Complete your Fire Risk Assessment and make an emergency plan.