Fire on roof terrace - Limehouse

Firefighters were called out to a fire on Ross Way in Limehouse E14 last night, after a barbecue is believed to have caused a fire on a roof terrace.

 Watch Manager Darren Barnett was in charge of the incident, he said: “We believe the fire was caused by a disposable barbecue being left on wooden decking on the roof terrace. Disposable barbecues get extremely hot so it’s really dangerous to leave them on or near anything that could catch fire. Fortunately the damage at this fire wasn’t too extensive, but it could easily have been much worse, especially given the amount of wooden decking on the terrace.

“It’s important to make sure your barbecue is completely out when you’ve finished with it, and never leave it to smoulder as they stay hot for a long time.”

The Brigade was called at 2321 and the fire was under control by 0006.

Four fire engines and over 25 firefighters from stations including Shadwell, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green and Shoreditch attended the incident, along with fire investigators.

London Fire Brigade’s top barbecue safety tips:

• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Barbecues must be placed on level ground so they don’t tip over 
•  Only use approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters. Never use petrol or paraffin.
• When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.
• Empty the spent ash on to bare garden soil - never put it in the dustbin.