Fire chiefs have issued a warning after a student managed to set their accommodation on fire while cooking breakfast. Emergency services were called to the flat earlier this week.
The student was trying to make cheese on toast, and decided to use the toaster like a grill by turning it on its side. They put the cheese and bread inside, and then walked off.
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A video shared by London Fire Brigade shows the aftermath of the blaze which destroyed the kitchen and caused severe damaged to the roof and walls. The fire happened on the ground floor of a three-storey student accommodation block on Avery Hill Road in London on February 13. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters have now issued a warning to others not to try the hack themselves and ensure they only use the "electrical products for their designated use."
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The fire started after a resident placed a toaster on its side and inserted bread and cheese. They then left it cooking unattended.
“Only use electrical products for their designated use. Toasters need to be kept clean to prevent fires and are not designed to be used on their side. Not only does it generate heat onto the work surface but the dry left-over crumbs from the bottom of the toaster can get onto the hot elements and ignite.
“It’s also really important that you always check toasters and other appliances are turned off and unplugged when not in use, unless they’re designed to be left on, like your fridge or freezer.
"Keep clutter to a minimum on your kitchen work surfaces especially near toasters and hobs as they can accidentally switch them on or catch fire."
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Crews were called at 10.40am and the fire was under control within 40 minutes. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich and Lee Green fire stations attended the scene.
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