Forest Hill fire: Huge blaze erupts near station as emergency services rush to scene
Over 100 firefighters rushed to the scene of a ferocious blaze that consumed a shop in southeast London, as the inferno raged. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) revealed that crews fought tooth and nail to subdue the flames that had engulfed a store in Perry Vale, Forest Hill, and a workshop at the rear of the property.
Shocking images flooded social media, depicting the harrowing scene as crews bravely battled the blaze outside the skiing and snowboarding store Finches Emporium.
Around 15 people were swiftly evacuated from their homes. The displaced residents were taken to a rest centre, where they anxiously awaited news of the fate of their properties and possessions, while firefighters eventually extinguished the flames after a gruelling three hours.
Fire crews are battling a ferocious blaze that erupted at a shop and its neighboring workshop in the heart of Forest Hill. The shocking incident has unleashed a wave of traffic mayhem, throwing the area into disarray and leaving commuters at Forest Hill station reeling from the fallout. As the flames continue to ravage the buildings, residents have been sternly warned to keep well away from the danger zone, as brave firefighters work tirelessly to bring the inferno under control.
The fire has raged from the ground floor of a building in Forest Hill, right up to the second floor, London Fire Brigade confirmed.
It said: "The fire involves a building made up of a shop on the ground floor, with flats above. The fire has affected the ground, first and second floors of the building."
London Fire Brigade said roughly 15 people have been evacuated from buildings near the fire, but there have been no injuries.
It said: "Around 15 people were evacuated from surrounding buildings. At this time, there have been no reports of any injuries."
Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is at the scene, said: "This will be a protracted incident, with crews working through the night to fully extinguish this fire.
"We're advising people in the local area to continue to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel.
"A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time.
"Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area, including in the A205 South Circular Road. Rail services via Forest Hill station are also being affected as a result of this fire."
London Fire Brigade has warned motorists that travel disruptions should be expected due to the fire, particularly on an area of the South Circular.
Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is at the scene, said: "Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area, including in the A205 South Circular Road. Rail services via Forest Hill station are also being affected as a result of this fire."
London Fire Brigade confirmed that its crews will have to work through the night to tackle to Forest Hill blaze.
Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is at the scene, said: "This will be a protracted incident, with crews working through the night to fully extinguish this fire."
London Fire Brigade confirmed that most of the shop in Forest Hill is on fire, as well as a workshop to the back.
It said: "As of 2015 hrs, most of a ground floor shop, which has flats situated above, is alight. A single-storey workshop to the rear of the shop is also alight."
London Fire Brigade said: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Perry Vale in Forest Hill. The fire is affecting a ground floor shop, which has flats situated above.
"People in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel. A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time. Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Fores Hill area.
"The Brigade received the first of 49 calls at 1827 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
"A 32-metre turntable ladder is also in attendance and is being used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time."
London Fire Brigade has said the cause of the fire is not yet known as emergency responders continue to tackle it.
It mobilised 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters this evening to tackle the blaze in the Perry Vale of Forest Hill, London.
London Fire Brigade said it received 49 calls regarding the fire in Forest Hill, which is now being tackled by 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters.
It said: "The Brigade received the first of 49 calls at 1827 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations to the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder is also in attendance and is being used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above."
Motorists have been warned of disruptions to their journeys around the Perry Vale area as emergency crews continue to tackle the fire.
London Fire Brigade said: "A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time. Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Fores Hill area."
London Fire Birgade has urged people in the Perry Vale area to keep their doors and windows closed as the fire rages on.
It said: "People in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel."
Fifteen fire engines and 100 firefighters have been called to the scene of the fire in London.
London Fire Brigade said: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Perry Vale in Forest Hill."
A huge fire has broken out in Forest Hill, London, with around 100 firefighters on the scene. We'll be bringing you the latest.
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