Last updated: 20/10/2020, 9:12 AM

Fire at office block and restaurant - The City

19/10/2020 10:10
The City of London
Fire at commercial property
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Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to reports of smoke coming from the roof of an office building and restaurant on Houndsditch in The City.

A small part of the extraction system from the basement to the roof of the building was damaged by fire. Seven people 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 the ignition of grease and fat deposits within the extraction system, following charcoal being used in a tandoor oven in the restaurant kitchen. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "The alarm was raised when a member of the public saw smoke coming from the roof of the building and called the Brigade. 

"On arrival, firefighters found the extraction system from the kitchen of a restaurant in the basement of the building was alight. Crews worked to contain the fire to the extraction system and prevent further damage.

"We'd like to remind restaurant and takeaway owners to ensure they don't have dirty ducting. If you don't clean the ducting in your extraction system regularly, you're at a greater risk of ducting fires.

"You should also make sure you keep the hob, cooker hood and extractor fan clean too – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire."

Firefighters' top tips for restaurants and takeaways:

  • Have ducting in your extraction system (ventilation) cleaned regularly
  • Ensure ducting is installed correctly
  • 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

The Brigade was called at 1010 and the fire was under control by 1234. Fire crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Shoreditch and Shadwell fire stations attended the scene. 

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