Blaze Hits Clapham Takeaway: Fire Crews Race to Extinguish Flames
Firefighters scrambled to a fiery blaze at a Clapham takeaway on Wandsworth Road, warning restaurant owners to keep extraction systems spotless after the alarming incident.
Massive Fire Response in Clapham
Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers descended on the scene of the fire, which tore through a restaurant with flats above. The flames ravaged half the restaurant’s ducting, stretching from the ground floor all the way to the third floor. Smoke damage spread into the flats upstairs.
Ten Residents Evacuated, No Injuries
One person exited the shop safely, while about ten residents evacuated from the flats above. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
Grease Build-Up Sparks Ducting Inferno
London Fire Brigade investigators pinpointed the cause to fat and grease buildup inside the ducting, ignited by an ember from the grill below. A spokesperson warned:
“Restaurant and take-away owners should always take care to make sure their extraction systems are kept clean as a build up of fat and grease within the filters can lead to a fire.”
Swift Firefighting Effort Brings Blaze Under Control
The Brigade was called out at 4.14pm and had the fire under control by 5.17pm. Crews from Clapham, Brixton, Wandsworth, Peckham, and nearby stations worked together to tackle the flames.
