Restaurant fire – Croydon

Firefighters have issued advice for restaurant owners after a restaurant fire on South End in Croydon.

Part of the extraction system in the kitchen was damaged by fire. A two-storey outbuilding was also damaged by the blaze. A man left the property before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and involved cooking.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We’d like to remind restaurant and takeaway owners to ensure they don't have dirty ducting. If you don't clean the ducting in your extraction system regularly, you're at a greater risk of ducting fires."

The Brigade was called at 2114 and the fire was under control at 2218. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Croydon, Woodside and Norbury fire stations attended the scene. 

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.