Massive Fire Erupts at Norbury Takeaway
Last night, London fire crews launched a huge response to a blaze at a takeaway restaurant on London Road, Norbury. Ten fire engines and over 70 firefighters battled the fierce fire that tore through the ground floor eatery and the extraction ducting running to the roof.
Grease Fire Triggers Evacuation
Firefighters evacuated around 26 residents from the flats above. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire is believed to have started when grease inside the ducting caught fire, quickly spreading to the roof space.
On arrival, crews saw smoke billowing from the rear roof of the single-storey extension,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson. “The fire had taken hold within the ducting system and moved into the roof.”
Firefighters Sound Warning to Restaurants
The brigade urged takeaway and restaurant owners to stay vigilant. Dirty extraction ducting dramatically increases fire risks if not cleaned regularly.
They also reminded residents to have working smoke alarms and to test them frequently — vital for early detection and safety.
Expert Fire Safety Tips for Takeaways
- Clean extraction ducting regularly to prevent grease build-up.
- Be cautious when cooking with hot oil – it can overheat and ignite.
- Never fill pans more than one-third full of fat or oil.
- Ensure food is completely dry before frying — water in hot oil is dangerous.
- Use electronic deep fat fryers with automatic temperature controls for added safety.
- Test electrical systems regularly to avoid faults.
- Complete your fire risk assessments and prepare emergency plans.
The fire was reported at 5.28 p.m. and brought under control by 7 p.m., with crews from Norbury, West Norwood, Croydon, and other local stations working together to douse the flames.
