Last updated: 14/05/2024, 8:20 AM

Fire at restaurant with flats above - Petts Wood

21/04/2024 18:42
Bromley
Fire at commercial property
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Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a restaurant with flats above on Queensway in Petts Wood.

Ducting running from the ground floor to the first floor was destroyed by fire. Half of the restaurant's kitchen and part of a first-floor flat was also damaged by fire. Around 15 people left the building before firefighters arrived. Several people were assessed at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews but none are believed to have required hospital treatment.

Station Commander Simon Chalk, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked hard to bring the fire under control and then fully extinguish the blaze and dampen down any hotspots.

"Road closures were in place on Queensway and members of the public were advised to avoid the area whilst we remained on scene."

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused fire by the ignition of grease and fat deposits within the extraction system, most likely from the use of a charcoal pit in the kitchen.

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.

"You should also make sure you keep the hob, cooker hood and extractor fan clean too – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire."

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received nine calls about the fire. The Brigade was called at 1842 and the fire was brought under control by 2015. Crews from Orpington, Sidcup, Bromley and surrounding fire stations have attended the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder from Forest Hill Fire Station has also been in attendance.

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.

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