Firefighters have issued a safety warning after a gas hob left on is believed to have caused a fire at a market stall in Thames Street, Kingston.
The whole interior of the wooden market stall was damaged by heat and smoke. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire was believed to be accidental and the Brigade’s fire investigators believe it was caused by a gas hob being left on.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s believed this fire was caused by the hob being left turned on. The fire had spread beyond the hob to the wooden wall and fridge.
“This incident highlights how important it is to make sure your cooker and hob are switched off as soon as you’ve finished using them, whether you're cooking at home or in a commercial premises.
“You should also keep your oven, hob and grill clean and free from grease as a build up can be a fire hazard."
• Never leave cooking unattended, even for a moment
• Always make sure the cooker is switched off once you’ve finished using it
• Keep your oven, hob and grill clean and free from grease – a build up can be a fire hazard
• Don’t store things like cookbooks or teatowels close to the hob as they can easily catch fire
• Avoid cooking if you’ve been drinking alcohol
• Never fill a pan more than a third full with oil
• Dry chips before putting them in oil
• Never throw water onto hot oil or fat
• If a fire does break out you should turn the heat off if it’s safe to do so but don’t try to tackle the fire by yourself. Get everyone out of the house and call 999 immediately
The Brigade was called at 1652 and the fire was under control at 1755. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Surbiton, Kingston and New Malden fire stations attended the scene.