Restaurant fire - Penge

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a restaurant with flats above on the High Street in Penge.

The ducting (extraction system) from the ground to the first floor of the three-storey building was damaged by the fire. A small part of the ground floor was also damaged.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led one man and one woman to safety from the first floor via an internal staircase. They were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade was called at 1036 and the fire was under control by 1134. Fire crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill and West Norwood fire stations were at the scene.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and involved a fryer.

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
• Complete your Fire Risk Assessment and make an emergency plan