Fire Breaks Out at Upper Richmond Road Restaurant
Fire Brigade blames build up of fat and oils in extraction system
A 32-metre ladder was deployed to tackle the blaze. Picture: London Fire Brigade
October 26, 2023
A restaurant on the Upper Richmond Road in Putney was badly damaged by a fire that broke out this Wednesday afternoon (25 October).
The Fire Brigade received its first call about the incident at 3:30pm and sent six fire engines and around 40 fire fighters from Twickenham, Chelsea, Chiswick, Fulham, Wandsworth and Hammersmith fire stations.
The extraction system from the ground to the second floor of the building at the rear was destroyed by fire. Part of the ground floor was also damaged by the blaze. There were no injuries reported and the fire was under control by 6:30pm.
Firefighters used one of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders at the scene as an observation tower.
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”.
Firefighters' top tips for restaurants and takeaways:
• Have ducting in your extraction system 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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