Around 100 people evacuated from pub after fire breaks out in kitchen

Around 100 people were evacuated from a west London pub after a fire broke out in the basement kitchen yesterday afternoon.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze at the pub with offices above in Bennet Street, Soho. 

Half of the basement kitchen was damaged and the ducting was destroyed by the fire.

Around 100 people left the building before fire crews arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire, which is believed to have been accidental, was caused by cooking left unattended.

A LFB spokesman said: “We’d like to remind restaurant and takeaway owners to ensure they don’t have dirty ducting. If you don’t clean 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.

“Attempting to extinguish a fire by yourself can lead to injuries or even be fatal and can increase the risk of more severe damage to your property. Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others and call 999.”

The LFB was called at around 12.45pm and crews from Lambeth, Soho and Chelsea fire stations brought the blaze under control by 2.45pm.

Pictured top: The pan, left unattended, which ignited a fire in the pub’s basement kitchen (Picture: LFB)