A Chip Pan Left Unattended Became the Cause of a Fire Break in a Block of Flats in Kilburn, London

Part of a maisonette on the fourth and fifth floors of the block was damaged by fire, which was caused by an unattended chip pan.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You should never leave cooking unattended – if you have to leave the room, turn the heat off before you do.”

To help prevent a fire whilst cooking here are just a few tips:

· Avoid leaving cooking unattended
· Don’t cook if you are tired, if you have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy
· Keep cloths away from the cooker and hob
· Keep the oven, hob, cooker hood and grill clean to avoid a build-up of fat and grease
· Use a spark device to light gas cookers
· Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you have finished cooking
· Check toasters are clean and placed away from anything that can catch fire
· Never put anything metal in a microwave
· Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony

Make sure that your home is fitted with a working heat detector in your Kitchen and smoke alarms in rooms that you regularly use and in the hallways.


If the worst happens and an accidental fire occurs then it is of paramount importance you know your Emergency Plan so you can get out of your flat safely.


If you live in a Block of Flats you should have a current Fire Safety Risk Assessment for the communal areas of your premise. At this time Fire Safety is at the forefront of peoples minds and it is up to the appointed ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure that a Fire Safety Inspection and Audit has been carried out by a ‘Qualified’ Fire Risk Assessor.


The best place to search for a ‘Qualified’ Assessor is the Institution of Fire Engineers – they have a Risk Assessors Register on their website. All you need to do is put in your postcode and a list of ‘Qualified’ Assessors will come up in your area.

London Fire Risk Assessments are an independent Fire Risk Consultancy based in London and their core business is Fire Safety Risk Assessments. If you have any Fire Safety concerns or need to book a Fire Safety Inspection and Audit then call them now on 01689 890879 or click here for a free quotation.