Firefighters have issued a warning about the dangers of cooking cheese on toast incorrectly following a student flat fire on Monday (February 13).

The fire broke out at a student accommodation block on Avery Hill Road in Greenwich at 10.40am.

Part of the ground floor of a three-storey block was damaged by the blaze and there were no injuries reported.

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Firefighters believe the fire to have been accidental and caused by an unsafe toaster.

They have now warned people not to use toasters on their side to make cheese on toast.

Part of the ground floor of a three-storey block was damaged by fire.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe use of a toaster.

London Fire Brigade was called at 10.40am and the fire was under control by 11.18am.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich and Lee Green fire stations attended the scene.

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.

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"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."

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade added: "Firefighters have warned not to use toasters on their side to make cheese on toast after a fire at a student accommodation block on Avery Hill Road in Avery Hill.

"Part of the ground floor of a three-storey block was damaged by fire.

"There were no reports of any injuries.

"The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe use of a toaster.

"The Brigade was called at 1040 and the fire was under control by 1118.

"Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley, East Greenwich and Lee Green fire stations attended the scene."