Fire at takeaway shop - Islington

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a takeaway shop with flats above on Hornsey Road in Islington.

Part of the ground floor of a fast food store was damaged by fire and the extraction system at the rear of the building was destroyed by the blaze.

 The fire is believed to have started at the back of a kitchen and travelled up the extraction system to the roof. An employee discovered the fire and left the building with two customers before the Brigade arrived. Smoke alarms alerted residents in the flats on the upper floors and three people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

Firefighter’s top tips for restaurants and takeaways:

• Have ducting in your extraction system (ventilation) cleaned regularly
• Ensure ducting is installed correctly
• Make sure all electrical items are tested and maintained- check regularly and don’t allow employees to bring their own kitchen appliances to work
• Ensure your electrical system is regularly tested
• Complete your Fire Risk Assessment and make an emergency plan

The Brigade were called at 2037 and the fire was under control by 2125. Fire crews from Holloway, Kentish Town and Hornsey fire stations attended the scene.

 The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and involved cooking.