Around 100 firefighters have been deployed to tackle a major fire at a shop in south east London, with residents warned to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.
Fifteen fire engines rushed to Perry Vale in Forest Hill at approximately 6:30pm after the London Fire Brigade received the first of 49 emergency calls reporting the blaze. The fire has engulfed a ground floor shop with residential flats situated above, prompting a significant emergency response.
A 25-metre safety cordon has been established around the incident, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area whilst crews work to bring the flames under control.
Massive Emergency Response
The scale of the response underscores the severity of the incident, with crews mobilised from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations across south east London. A 32-metre turntable ladder has been deployed as a water tower to tackle the blaze from above.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that approximately 100 firefighters are currently at the scene, making this one of the larger fire incidents in the capital requiring such extensive resources. The brigade’s control room has been inundated with calls, receiving 49 reports about the fire within a short timeframe.
The fire is affecting a commercial property on Perry Vale, a main thoroughfare through Forest Hill that connects the area with neighbouring districts. The exact nature of the shop has not been confirmed, though the building houses residential flats on upper floors, raising concerns for residents’ safety.
Public Safety Warnings
Authorities have issued urgent warnings to local residents as thick smoke continues to billow from the burning building. The London Fire Brigade has specifically advised people in the surrounding area to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent smoke inhalation.
People in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson stated. The smoke plume is visible from considerable distance, with reports of the acrid smell spreading across neighbouring streets.
The established 25-metre cordon is being strictly enforced to ensure public safety and allow emergency crews adequate space to operate their equipment effectively. Fire officers are working to prevent the spread of flames to adjacent properties whilst simultaneously ensuring any residents in the flats above have been safely evacuated.
Traffic Chaos in Forest Hill
The major incident has caused significant disruption to evening traffic in Forest Hill, with Perry Vale being a key route through the area. Authorities are warning of “significant traffic disruption” throughout the Forest Hill area as emergency vehicles occupy the road and safety cordons block normal traffic flow.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes whilst the emergency operation continues. Local bus services are expected to face diversions, affecting commuters attempting to travel through south east London during the evening period.
The timing of the fire, occurring during the early evening when many residents are returning home from work, has exacerbated traffic problems. Side roads are experiencing increased congestion as drivers attempt to navigate around the closed section of Perry Vale.
Investigation Pending
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, with London Fire Brigade confirming that investigations will commence once the blaze is brought under control and the scene is safe to examine.
Fire investigators will need to determine whether the blaze started accidentally or if there are any suspicious circumstances. The extensive damage being caused by the fire may complicate efforts to establish the precise origin and cause of the incident.
Given the mixed-use nature of the building, with commercial premises below and residential accommodation above, investigators will examine various potential causes including electrical faults, cooking equipment, or other commercial activities that may have triggered the blaze.
Community Impact
Forest Hill, a diverse residential area in the London Borough of Lewisham, has a tight-knit community that will undoubtedly be affected by this major incident. The sight of 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters responding to a local shop fire has alarmed residents, many of whom have taken to social media to share images and express concern.
Local businesses near the incident have been forced to close early as smoke fills the streets and emergency vehicles block access. The economic impact on small traders in the area could be significant, particularly if the fire spreads or causes lasting damage to neighbouring properties.
The presence of residential flats above the shop adds a human dimension to the incident, with concerns for displaced residents who may have lost their homes and possessions in the fire. Local authority housing teams will likely need to provide emergency accommodation for affected residents.
Ongoing Operation
As this is a developing situation, the London Fire Brigade has not provided an estimated time for bringing the fire fully under control. The deployment of aerial platforms and water towers suggests crews are preparing for an extended operation to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Fire crews will remain at the scene throughout the night to monitor for any reignition and to dampen down hot spots that could reignite. The structural integrity of the building will also need to be assessed before the area can be declared safe.
Station officers are coordinating the multi-crew response, ensuring adequate water supplies are maintained and firefighters are rotated to prevent exhaustion during what could be a prolonged operation.
Historical Fire Service Presence
Ironically, Perry Vale has historical connections to London’s fire service, with the former Perry Vale Fire Station, a Grade II listed building, standing nearby. Though closed since 1972 when the modern Forest Hill Fire Station opened on Stanstead Road, the old station serves as a reminder of the area’s long relationship with fire services.
The current incident demonstrates the continued importance of maintaining robust fire service coverage across London’s diverse neighbourhoods. The rapid response of 15 engines from multiple stations highlights the coordinated approach London Fire Brigade takes to major incidents.
As firefighters continue their battle against the blaze, residents are reminded to remain vigilant, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid the area unless absolutely necessary. Updates will be provided as the situation develops and more information becomes available about the cause and extent of the damage.
The London Fire Brigade continues to urge anyone with information about the fire or who witnessed its early stages to contact them through official channels, as such information may prove valuable to the investigation once the immediate emergency has been resolved.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily