Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire at a high-rise building under construction on Blackfriars Road in Southwark during the early hours of Monday morning.
A bin in an external scaffold tower lift on the 26th floor of the 48-storey building was completely destroyed by fire. Ten people evacuated the building before the Brigade arrived, and there were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s 999 Control officers received their first call alerting them to the fire at 2:33am and deployed crews from Dowgate, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho, Dockhead and Islington fire stations. The fire was under control by 3:45am.
Bin Fire on External Scaffold
The fire affected a bin located in an external scaffold tower lift, a temporary construction elevator used to transport materials and personnel during building works. The bin was completely destroyed by the blaze on the 26th floor of the tower, which when completed will stand 48 storeys tall.
The cause of the fire was accidental and remains under investigation by fire investigators. Construction sites can present particular fire risks due to the presence of temporary structures, materials and equipment.
Major Construction Projects on Blackfriars Road
Blackfriars Road has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with multiple high-rise developments reshaping the Southwark skyline. Several major construction projects are currently underway or recently completed along the historic route between St George’s Circus and Blackfriars Bridge.
The area has become a focal point for mixed-use developments, including residential towers, office buildings and hotels. Projects in the vicinity include The Round at 18 Blackfriars Road, a mixed-use development by Hines featuring two residential buildings and a 45-storey office building designed by Foster + Partners.
Fire Safety at Construction Sites
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety at construction sites, particularly on high-rise developments. Fires at buildings under construction can spread rapidly due to incomplete fire safety systems and the presence of combustible materials.
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, scrutiny of fire safety measures during construction has intensified. The London Fire Brigade regularly visits construction sites to provide safety advice and inspect fire prevention measures.
Ten people self-evacuated from the building before firefighters arrived, demonstrating the importance of effective evacuation procedures even during construction phases when buildings are not yet fully occupied.
Crews From Six Stations Respond
The Brigade mobilised resources from six fire stations across north and central London to tackle the blaze. Dowgate, Dockhead and Old Kent Road stations serve the Southwark area, whilst Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho and Islington crews provided additional support.
Control officers coordinated the response, deploying approximately 40 firefighters to the scene within minutes of receiving the first emergency call. The rapid response enabled crews to bring the fire under control within just over an hour of the initial alert.
Blackfriars Road Development Boom
From 2010 onwards, numerous major development schemes have transformed Blackfriars Road, with new buildings replacing post-war offices along its length. The area has become particularly attractive to developers due to its proximity to the City of London and excellent transport links.
The road forms part of the A201 and runs between St George’s Circus at the southern end and Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames at the northern end. Halfway along on the west side sits Southwark Underground station, on the corner with The Cut.
Recent years have seen the completion of landmark towers including One Blackfriars, the distinctive 50-storey residential tower informally known as The Vase due to its shape. Multiple other projects are in various stages of planning and construction.
Investigation Continues
The London Fire Brigade has confirmed the cause of the fire was accidental, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Fire investigators will examine the scene to determine how the bin caught fire and whether any safety improvements are needed.
Construction site fires, whilst relatively uncommon, can pose significant risks due to the incomplete nature of fire safety systems and the presence of temporary structures. The Brigade regularly works with developers and contractors to ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place during construction works.
The swift evacuation of ten people from the building and the rapid response by fire crews prevented what could have been a more serious incident. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the external scaffold area without spreading to the main structure.
Blackfriars Road continues to be one of London’s most active construction corridors, with multiple high-rise projects transforming the historic thoroughfare into a modern residential and commercial district. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust fire safety protocols throughout the construction process.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
