Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above a shop on Hale End Road in Chingford.
Half of a two roomed flat on the first floor of a three-storey building was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by unattended cooking.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Thankfully nobody was hurt on this occasion.
"Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill - if you have to leave the kitchen then turn off the heat.”
The Brigade was called at 1724 and the fire was under control by 1809. Fire crews from Chingford, Woodford, Walthamstow and Leytonstone fire stations were at the scene.
Firefighters’ tips for safe cooking
- With bubbling pans, open flames and maybe a little one or a pet underfoot, kitchens are potentially dangerous places. Here are our top tips to reduce fire risks:
- Try not to leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Try to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill clean – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire.
- Use spark devices to light gas cookers – they are much safer than matches or lighters, as they don’t have a naked flame. They are safer around children, too.
- Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking – if you're forgetful (or someone you care for can be), why not take a photo if you have a smartphone? The action will remind you to double check every time.
- Check toasters are clean and not placed under kitchen cabinets or close to anything that can catch fire.
- 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)
- Always follow the instructions when using a microwave e.g. Observe recommended cooking times, do not put metal in a microwave and don’t obstruct the vents.
- 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.
