Last updated: 10/12/2024, 9:29 AM

Fire at restaurant with flats above - Plaistow

09/12/2024 07:56
Newham
Fire at commercial property
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Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a restaurant with flats above on Plashet Road in Plaistow.

Parts of the ground-floor kitchen and the ducting between the ground and first floors of the two-storey building were damaged by fire. Five people left the building before the arrival of the Brigade, and there are no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a build up of cooking oil within the ducting.

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 was called at 0756 and the fire was under control by 0843. Crews from Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham and Leytonstone 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.

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