Two fire engines and 10 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat in Barham Close, Romford on Sunday afternoon.
A small section of a first floor flat was damaged by fire. Firefighters led an elderly man to safety. He was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and cuts and bruises by the London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital.
It’s believed the fire started in the kitchen.
The Brigade was called at 1640 and the fire was under control at 1733. Fire crews from Romford and Dagenham 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 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 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
