Flat fire – Plumstead

Firefighters rescued a man from a flat fire on Strandfield Close in Plumstead.

Firefighters arrived to find a small fire in the kitchen of a three-roomed flat on the first floor of the building and rescued a man who was treated on scene after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire is believed to have been caused by cooking.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home.

"Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill - if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.”

The Brigade was called at 1937 and the fire was under control by 2017. Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Plumstead, Erith, East Greenwich and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters' tips for safer cooking:

• Don't leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill.
• 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.
• 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.