Student Block Blaze Blamed on Toaster Trick
A fire ripped through the ground floor of a student accommodation on Avery Hill Road yesterday after a resident tried a risky cheese on toast hack. Firefighters have slammed the stunt and issued a stark warning: don’t use toasters on their side!
Fire Sparks From Unsafe Toaster Use
The three-story building suffered damage but thankfully, no one was hurt. The blaze began when a resident placed a toaster flat on its side, stuffed with bread and cheese, and left it unattended.
Only use electrical products for the intended purpose,” warned a London Fire Brigade spokesperson. “Toasters must be kept clean to avoid fires and are not meant to be used on their sides. It generates heat on the work surface, and dry crumbs can ignite when they fall onto hot elements.”
“Always check that toasters and other appliances are turned off and unplugged unless designed to stay on, like fridges or freezers. Keep clutter away from kitchen surfaces near toasters and hobs—clutter can accidentally trigger fires.”
Firefighters Douse Blaze in Under an Hour
The emergency call came in at 10:40 a.m., and crews had the fire out by 11:18 a.m. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich, and Lee Green stations tackled the flames.
This fiery faux pas serves as a blazing reminder: don’t play with toasters!