Students warned after cheese toastie toaster blaze at Avery Hill flats
Fire guts ground floor of student block
A fire broke out yesterday in a student accommodation on Avery Hill Road, damaging the entire ground floor of a three-storey building. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the blaze.
Toaster on its side sparks inferno
The London Fire Brigade revealed the blaze started when a resident placed their toaster on its side to make cheese on toast and left it unattended. “Only use electrical products for their intended purpose,” warned a spokesperson.
“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 can fall onto hot elements and ignite.”
Fire safety tips for students
- Always unplug toasters and appliances when not in use.
- Keep kitchen surfaces clutter-free, especially near hobs and toasters.
- Never leave cooking appliances unattended.
The fire brigade responded swiftly at 10:40 a.m., with four engines and about 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich, and Lee Green stations. The fire was extinguished by 11:18 a.m.
Students are urged to stick to safe cooking practices to avoid another fiery disaster.
