Fifteen fire engines and specialist turntable ladders deployed to Hatcham Park Mews as flames tear through residential block
More than 100 firefighters are currently battling a major fire that has engulfed multiple balconies and the roof of a residential block in New Cross, south-east London.
Fifteen fire engines raced to Hatcham Park Mews after the first of eight emergency calls came in at 4:27pm on Wednesday afternoon, with crews confronting flames spreading across three floors of the building.
Three exterior balconies on the first, second and third floors are ablaze, along with half of the roof space, creating a dramatic scene visible across the area.
Specialist Equipment Deployed
Two of the London Fire Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers to tackle the flames from height as firefighters work to prevent the blaze from spreading further through the residential block.
The Brigade’s Control Officers mobilised crews from New Cross, Peckham, Greenwich, Deptford and surrounding fire stations to mount a major response to the escalating incident.
Station Commander James Ryan, who is at the scene, said: “Crews are working extremely hard in challenging conditions to bring this fire under control. The fire has spread across multiple balconies and into the roof space, requiring a significant firefighting operation.
Residents Evacuated
Local residents have been evacuated from the building as a precaution, with the Metropolitan Police establishing a cordon around the area. The number of people affected has not yet been confirmed.
Smoke is billowing across the neighbourhood, with residents in surrounding streets being advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke.
The London Ambulance Service is on standby at the scene, though no injuries have been reported at this time.
Major Response Operation
The scale of the response highlights the seriousness of the incident, with 15 fire engines representing one of the larger deployments for a residential fire in the capital.
Crews are expected to remain at the scene for several hours as they work to fully extinguish the blaze and ensure all hotspots are dampened down.
Local road closures are in place around Hatcham Park Mews, with Transport for London advising motorists to avoid the area. Bus routes through New Cross are being diverted.
Investigation to Follow
The cause of the fire is not known at this time, with a full investigation to be launched once the blaze is brought under control.
Fire investigators will examine the scene to determine how the fire started and why it was able to spread across multiple balconies and into the roof structure.
The incident comes as London Fire Brigade continues to warn about fire safety in residential buildings, particularly regarding the safe use and maintenance of balconies.
Historical Context
The New Cross area has a tragic history with fires, most notably the 1981 New Cross house fire that killed 13 young Black people during a birthday party, an incident that sparked major protests and remains one of the most significant fires in the area’s history.
Today’s incident at Hatcham Park Mews, while serious, has thankfully not resulted in any reported casualties at this stage.
Ongoing Situation
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. The London Fire Brigade is expected to provide further updates on the firefighting operation throughout the evening.
Residents who have been evacuated are being advised to contact Lewisham Council’s emergency helpline for assistance with temporary accommodation if needed.
Anyone with information about the fire or who witnessed the early stages of the blaze is asked to contact the London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation team.
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