Firefighters are reminding restaurant and takeaway owners of the importance of keeping extraction systems clean following a fire on Ferme Park Road in Hornsey.

A small part of a ground floor pizza restaurant was damaged by the fire and the external ducting (extraction system) was also damaged. One man left the restaurant before the Brigade arrived and three women left a first floor flat before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by a build up of grease and cooking fat in the restaurant’s extraction system.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This fire was inside the ducting from a pizza oven.

“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 2301 and the fire was under control by 0109 (Friday). Four fire engines and round 25 firefighters from Holloway, Islington, Finchley and Kentish Town fire stations were at 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