Fire at takeaway restaurant – Bexleyheath

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a takeaway restaurant with flats above on Erith Road in Bexleyheath.

Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters rescued one woman and a child from a flat roof via a short extension ladder. They were all treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews and taken to hospital.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “There were no working smoking alarms fitted inside the property, so it was lucky that a neighbour smelled burning and discovered the fire to raise the alarm.

“Smoke alarms should be fitted in any room where a fire can start, for example any room where you leave appliances plugged in, plus a heat alarm in your kitchen.”

Smoke and fire alarm must-knows

• Don't just fit a smoke alarm in your hall and landing – also fit them in any room where a fire can start. For example, any room where you leave appliances plugged in.
• Smoke alarms are not suitable for kitchens but heat alarms are. Fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen will give you warning of an increase in temperature caused by a fire but will not be set off by cooking fumes.
• If you choose to have a mains-powered alarm, make sure it's installed by a qualified electrician.

The Brigade was called at 0535 and the fire was under control by 0655. Fire crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead and Sidcup fire stations attended the scene.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and involved a fridge freezer.