Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of residential flats on Oakley Street in Chelsea.
A small part of a bedsit in the basement was damaged by fire. Firefighters ventilated the property after smoke logged the building from the basement to the fourth floor. Crews rescued one woman from the first floor and a further woman from the basement, who were both treated on scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a plastic spatula that was left on a hot plate on a cooker.
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 0231 and the fire was under control by 0321. Fire crews from Battersea, Fulham, Kensington and Clapham fire stations attended the scene.
