Maisonette fire - Battersea

Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a fire at a maisonette on Strasburg Road in Battersea. 

Part of the kitchen of a split-level maisonette on the fifth floor of the building was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a portable hob which was left on top of the integral electric hob. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "You should never place anything that can catch fire near to the hob.

"Keep all objects, like tea towels, cloths and plastic bowls well away from the cooker and always check the hob is turned off when you've finished cooking."

Practical steps for safer cooking: 

1. Don't leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
2. Not feeling 100%? Order a takeaway – if you're very tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that might make you drowsy, it's safer not to risk it.
3. Be fabric aware – loose clothing can easily catch fire, so take care not to lean over a hot hob, and always keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
4. Avoid keeping items such as toasters under cupboards or in contact with combustibles such as tea towels or kitchen roll to prevent heat build up (and possibly fire).
5. Always keep an eye on children and pets in the kitchen: don't leave them unsupervised; put matches away; and keep saucepan handles out of reach.

The Brigade was called at 1309 and the fire was under control by 1342. Fire crews from Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.