A flat on the seventh floor of a 21-storey block was damaged by the fire. Two people left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived and they were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by unattended cooking. Station Commander Tom Conlon said: “Fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. “Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.” The Brigade was called at 8.42pm and the fire was under control by 9.47pm. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Battersea, Wandsworth, Fulham and Lambeth fire stations were at the scene. Firefighters’ tips for safer cooking Don’t leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat. Not feeling 100%? Order a takeaway – if you’re very tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that might make you drowsy, it’s safer not to risk it. Try to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill clean – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire. Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking.
