Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a terraced house on Walmer Road in Notting Hill.
The whole of the ground floor in the three storey house was destroyed by fire.
One woman left the property before the Brigade arrived and was treated on scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.
The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by items being placed too close to the 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."
Firefighters’ tips for safer cooking:
- Don’t leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 1427 and the incident was under control by 1530. Fire crews from Kensington, North Kensington and Hammersmith fire stations were at the scene.
