Firefighters are reminding people about kitchen safety after a pan overheated and caused a fire at a flat in Charlton Road, Harrow yesterday.
The kitchen of the second floor flat was damaged in the blaze.
Two fire engines and 10 firefighters and officers were called to the fire, which had been put out before they arrived.
Five people left the property before the arrival of the Brigade.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s always best to switch your electric hob off when it’s not in use as it can prevent accidents like this from happening.”
The cause is believed to be due to a cooking pan fire which had been ignited by an electric grill which had been inadvertently switched on during cleaning.
The Brigade was called at 2236 and the fire was under control at 2300. Fire crews from Stanmore and Mill Hill fire stations attended the scene.
• 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 build-up 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 smouldering 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
• Don't tackle the fire yourself and don't attempt to move the pan
• Never throw water over a fire as it could create a fireball
• Turn off the heat, if it is safe to do so
• Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999