Flat fire - Beckenham

Firefighters have issued a warning about cooking with hot oil after a fire at a flat above a shop on Beckenham Road in Beckenham.

Part of a flat on the third floor of a four-storey building was damaged by fire. Around 40 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by a pan of oil which was left heating on the hob and ignited and spread to the kitchen when it was left unattended.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Chip pans and cooking with hot oil can be really dangerous and the risk increases when you start frying food more than once.

“All it can take is for you to become distracted for a few seconds and your cooking oil can quickly go up in flames.

“You should never leave cooking on the hob unattended.

“Fortunately the occupants were alerted to this fire by a smoke alarm and were able to get out uninjured so this incident is also a timely reminder of the importance of having smoke alarms fitted.

“You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom. They should be tested regularly.”

The Brigade was called at 1847 and the fire was under control by 2040. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Beckenham, Woodside and Bromley fire stations were at the scene.

Firefighters’ tips to reduce the fire risks of deep fat frying:

• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire.
• Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil – oil and water are a dangerous mix.
• If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible – they have automatic temperature controls and are much safer.
• It's also really important to keep the hob, cooker hood and extractor fan clean too – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire.