House fire – Hackney

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a terraced house converted into flats on Clapton Square in Hackney.

Part of a three-roomed flat on the fourth floor of the building was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man via an internal staircase who was treated by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation. Four people left the building before the Brigade arrived.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a cooker that was left on.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home.

“Always double check that cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking.

“Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill - if you have to leave the kitchen then turn off the heat.”

 Practical steps for safer cooking: 

• 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.
• Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking.

The Brigade was called at 0232 and the fire was under control by 0325. Fire crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Tottenham and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.