Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a pub on Spaniards Road in Hampstead.
Part of the kitchen of a ground floor restaurant and a small part of a single toilet on the first floor of the building were damaged by fire. Around 80 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 1759 and the fire was under control by 1927. Fire crews from West Hampstead and Finchley fire stations attended the scene.
The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by a grill which was placed on a shelf and ignited timbers under the plaster board.
Firefighters' 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
- Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire
- Never fill the pan more than one third full of fat or oil
- Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil- oil and water are a dangerous mix
- Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible- they have automatic temperature controls and are much safer
- Ensure your electrical system is regularly tested
- Complete your Fire Risk Assessment and make an emergency plan
