Maisonette fire – Hornchurch

Firefighters have issued a cooking safety warning after a maisonette fire on Victor Close in Hornchurch.

Part of the second and third floors of a split-level maisonette were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by cooking left unattended.

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 1528 and the fire was under control by 1544. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Harold Hill, Dagenham and Romford fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters' tips for safer cooking

• Don’t leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
• 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.
• Try to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill clean – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire.
• Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking.