Firefighters have urged residents to take extra care in the kitchen after a cooking-related fire severely damaged two terraced houses in Southall.
London Fire Brigade crews were called to Allenby Road on Thursday (5 January 2026) evening after a fire tore through the first floor and roof of two neighbouring properties. Seven adults and four children evacuated before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and linked to cooking, though the cause remains under investigation.
Sub Officer Andy Thornton, who was at the scene, said: “Cooking should never be left unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.”
He warned that hot oil could ignite within seconds if someone became distracted. Thornton said: “Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil and make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil – oil and water are a dangerous mix.”
He added: “If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot so turn off the heat and leave it to cool.” He also urged residents to keep cookers and extractor fans clean, warning that built-up grease could ignite.
The brigade’s 999 control officers received the first of 17 calls at 8.55pm. Crews from Ealing, Wembley, Harrow and Southall attended. The fire was brought under control by 11.13pm.
