Fire at restaurant with flats above - Kilburn

Firefighters are urging restaurant owners to ensure that they have the ducting in extraction systems cleaned regularly after a fire at a restaurant with flats above on Kilburn High Road in Kilburn. 

Half of the staircase from the ground floor restaurant to the first floor flats was damaged by fire. Part of the ceiling and the extraction system of the restaurant were also damaged by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was discovered by a member of the public who saw smoke coming from the roof of the property and alerted staff.

Station Commander Ned Alexander, who was at the scene, said: "The fire was located inside a void between the ground and the first floor of the building and crews used cutting equipment to gain access and bring the fire under control.

"Kilburn High Road was closed between Gascony Avenue and Kingsgate Place and local people were advised to avoid the area."

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a build up of combustible materials in the restaurant ducting. 

Firefighters' top tips for restaurants and takeaways:

• Have ducting cleaned regularly in accordance with guidance TR/19.
• Ensure ducting is installed correctly.
• Make sure all electrical items are tested and maintained – check regularly, and don't allow employees to bring their own kitchen appliances to work. 
• Ensure your electrical system is regularly tested – at least once every year.
• Use your tumble dryer safely – have named individuals responsible for cleaning lint and checking it dryer regularly. 
• Complete your Fire Risk Assessment, and make an emergency plan.

The Brigade was called at 1756 and the fire was under control by 2005. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from North Kensington, Paddington, West Hampstead and Kentish Town fire stations attended the scene.