Restaurant fire – Pimlico

Firefighters are warning people to keep items that could catch fire away from the hob and grill after a restaurant fire on Page Street in Pimlico.

Part of the kitchen in the basement of a restaurant was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by an electric grill igniting combustible materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "You should never place anything that can catch fire near to the hob or grill.

"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."

The Brigade was called at 1921 and the fire was under control by 1946. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Lambeth and Soho fire stations attended the scene.

Practical steps 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.
• 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.