Flat fire - Westminster

Firefighters are warning of the dangers of leaving cooking unattended after a fire at a flat above a shop on Rochester Row in Westminster. 

Part of a flat on the second floor was destroyed by fire. Two women were rescued by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus and led to safety.  One man was suffering from smoke inhalation and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a hob on a cooker being switched on accidentally. 

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. 

Practical steps for safer cooking: 

• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire. 
• Never fill a 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. 
• If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. 
• Try not to 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. 
• Be fabric aware – loose clothing can easily catch fire, so take care not to lean over a hot hob, and always keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. 

The Brigade was called at 1833 and the fire was under control by 2012. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Lambeth, Chelsea, Soho, Dowgate, Clapham and Euston fire stations attended the scene.