Last updated: Today, 11:35 AM

Fire at community building – Tooting

Today 06:16
Wandsworth
Fire at commercial property
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Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a community building on Tooting High Street.  

A small part of the building was damaged by fire and an adjacent bike storage unit was destroyed. There were no reports of any injuries.  

Tooting High Street was closed between Garratt Lane and Selkirk Road while firefighters worked to make the scene safe.  

The fire is believed to have been accidental, starting when a barbecue left overnight in a storage area ignited and spread to a bike shed.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “As we begin to head towards the warmer months, please take extra care if you are using barbecues.  

“Never leave a barbecue unattended and be careful where you position it. Try and keep it on a level ground and keep it well away from anything flammable like buildings, sheds, fences, trees or tents.

"After cooking, let it cool and make sure it is properly out – smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes and can be fatal."

The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 15 calls to the fire at 0616 and sent crews from Tooting, Wimbledon and Wandsworth fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0733. 

Five ways to stay BBQ safe 

  • Never use a BBQ – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony 

  • Be careful where you position your BBQ – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents. 

  • Don't use petrol, paraffin or any flammable liquids on your BBQ – firelighters are a much safer option. 

  • Carefully supervise children – little ones can all too easily trip and fall, while older children might hurt themselves trying to help. 

  • Be pet-aware – dogs (and some cats!) love to snaffle sausages and can cause accidents getting under your feet.