Firefighters have issued a safety warning after an unattended oil pan is believed to have caused a fire at a flat on Post Office Approach in Forest Gate.
Part of the kitchen of a five-roomed flat on the third floor of a nine-storey block was damaged by the fire. One woman, one man and one child left the flat before the Brigade arrived. The woman and child were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was a pan of oil which ignited after being left unattended on a hob.
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 1831 and the fire was under control by 2019. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters from Leyton, Leytonstone, Plaistow, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
How to prevent cooking fires
- 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
If a pan catches fire
- 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
