Following a fire at a student accommodation block on Avery Hill Road in Avery Hill yesterday, firefighters have issued a warning not to use toasters on their side to make cheese on toast.
The ground floor of a three-story building was damaged by fire. There were no reported injuries.
The fire is thought to have been caused by the unsafe use of a toaster.
The fire started after a resident placed a toaster on its side and inserted bread and cheese,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said. They then left it to cook on its own.
“Only use electrical products for the intended purpose. Toasters must be kept clean to avoid fires and are not intended to be used on their sides. It not only generates heat on the work surface, but dry crumbs from the bottom of the toaster can also get onto the hot elements and ignite.
“It’s also really important that you always check toasters and other appliances are turned off and unplugged when not in use, unless they’re designed to be left on, like your fridge or freezer.
“Keep clutter to a minimum on your kitchen work surfaces, especially near toasters and hobs, as it can accidentally turn them on or cause them to catch fire.”
The Fire Department was called at 10:40 a.m., and the fire was out by 11:18 a.m. Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich, and Lee Green fire stations responded.
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