House and garden fire - Plaistow

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a house on Western Road in Plaistow.

Most of a garden and half of a ground floor mid terraced house was destroyed by fire.

The Brigade was called at 2101 and the incident was over by 2235.

Fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by unattended cooking catching alight.

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

"This incident is a timely reminder to make sure you never leave cooking unattended. If you do have to leave the room, turn off the heat."

How to prevent cooking fires

• Avoid leaving cooking unattended
• Don't cook if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy
• Take care not to lean over hot hobs and keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
• Be careful to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood and grill clean to avoid a build-up of fat and grease, which could ignite and cause a fire
• Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you've finished cooking
• Supervise children and pets in the kitchen at all times and keep matches and saucepan handles out of reach