Firefighters have issued a reminder about the dangers of leaving cooking unattended after a house fire on Odessa Road in Forest Gate on Saturday morning (22 June).
The fire damaged part of a kitchen in the house of multiple occupation.
Fire investigators say the fire was caused after a resident left cooking oil in a chip pan unattended.
The fire was already out when crews arrived and they ventilated the building and gave first aid to the resident who was suffering from burns. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You should never leave cooking unattended – if you have to leave the room or the house, turn the heat off before you do.”
The Brigade was called at 1142 and the incident was over at 1149. Two fire engines and around ten firefighters from Stratford and Plaistow fire stations attended the incident.
• Avoid leaving cooking unattended
• Don't cook if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy
• Take care not to lean over hot hobs and keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
• Be careful to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood and grill clean to avoid a buildup of fat and grease, which could ignite and cause a fire
• Use spark devices to light gas cookers - they are much safer than matches or lighters as they don't have a naked flame
• Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you've finished cooking
• Check toasters are clean and placed away from anything that can catch fire
• Never put anything metal in the microwave
• Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony - burning or smoldering fuel can cause carbon monoxide poisoning
• Supervise children and pets in the kitchen at all times and keep matches and saucepan handles out of reach