Hot oil thought to be behind restaurant kitchen fire

Part of a takeaway restaurant in Brixton, with homes above, was damaged by fire.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the accidental ignition of hot oil.

There have been no reports of any injuries after the blaze at Brixton’s Cod, Fish and Chip, in Acre Lane.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters were mobilised yesterday (Tuesday). The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of five calls about the fire at around 12.40pm and the fire was extinguished an hour later.

Crews from Clapham, Norbury, West Norwood and Dowgate fire stations attended the scene.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman 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. Chip pans and cooking with hot oil can be really dangerous and the risk increases when you start frying food more than once.

“All it can take is for you to become distracted for a few seconds and your cooking oil can quickly go up in flames.”

Pictured top: The restaurant in Acre Lane (Picture: LFB)