Restaurant fire - Spitalfields

Firefighters have issued a reminder of their ducting safety advice following a fire at a restaurant on Commercial Street with a hotel above on in Spitalfields. 

Ducting (the extraction system) from the ground to the first floor in the restaurant's kitchen was destroyed by fire. Half of the first floor roof was also damaged by the fire. 

Thankfully no injuries are reported.

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."

Control Officers took the first of  36 calls at 1122 and mobilised six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Benthnal Green, Dockhead, Islington, Soho, Whitechapel and Shadwell fire stations to the scene. The incident was over for firefighters at 1330. 

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.