Restaurant fire - Chelsea

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a restaurant on Lincoln Street in Chelsea.

Part of the basement, ground floor and part of the first-floor roof terrace were damaged by fire. The extraction system was destroyed by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries. 

Crews used cutting equipment to access the voids between the basement and ground floor to damp down remaining hot spots. 

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 7 calls to the blaze.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the ignition of a build up of fats and oils within the extraction system.

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 1307 and the fire was under control by 1544. Fire crews from Chelsea, Fulham, Battersea and Soho 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.