Fire at takeaway shop - Camberwell

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a takeaway shop with flats above on Camberwell Green in Camberwell.

The ducting (extraction system) from the ground floor to the roof of the five-storey building was destroyed by the fire and part of the ground floor was also damaged. Four people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 40 calls to the fire.

The Brigade was called at 1330 and the fire was under control by 1429. Fire crews from Dowgate, Clapham and Lambeth fire stations were at the scene.

The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by grease within the ducting igniting.

Firefighters' top tips for restaurants and takeaways:

• Have ducting in your extraction system (ventilation) cleaned regularly
• Ensure ducting is installed correctly
• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire
• Never fill the 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
• Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible - they have automatic temperature controls and are much safer
• Ensure your electrical system is regularly tested