A seventh-floor flat in a 21-storey block was badly damaged by fire last night. Two residents fled the flat before firefighters arrived and were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Fire Brigade Blames Careless Cooking for Blaze
Fire investigators say the blaze was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. Station Commander Tom Conlon warned: “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.”
Rapid Response From Firefighters
The Brigade was called at 8.42pm and had the fire under control by 9.47pm. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Battersea, Wandsworth, Fulham, and Lambeth fire stations tackled the blaze with speed and efficiency.
Top Fire Safety Tips for Safer Cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill. Turn off the heat if you leave the kitchen.
- If you’re tired, have been drinking, or on medication that causes drowsiness, order a takeaway instead of cooking.
- Keep your oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan, and grill clean to prevent fat and grease build-up, which can ignite.
- Always double check the cooker and hob are turned off after cooking.
