Flat fire – Shoreditch

Firefighters are sharing their cooking safety tips after a flat fire on Charles Square in Shoreditch.

Part of a five-roomed flat on the fifth floor was damaged by fire. Around 20 people left the building before the Brigade arrived and two women were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by cooking using a deep fat fryer.

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."

The Brigade was called at 0956 and the fire was under control by 1109. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Dowgate, Islington, Shadwell and Dockhead fire stations attended the scene.

Tips on using deep fat fryers safely

• 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 

More information on using deep fat fryers safely