Massive Blaze Engulfs St John’s Wood Church
Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters have rushed to tackle a massive fire at a church on Hamilton Terrace in St John’s Wood. The entire two-storey building is engulfed in flames, sending thick smoke billowing across the neighbourhood.
Residents Evacuated Amid Heavy Smoke
Police have evacuated several nearby properties as the fire spreads. Locals are urged to keep windows and doors shut to avoid the choking smoke drifting through the area.
Firefighters Deploy Europe’s Tallest Ladder
Fire crews are battling the blaze using two 32-metre turntable ladders and a 64-metre ladder – the tallest in Europe – to douse the flames from outside. The brigade has taken nearly 30 emergency calls about the fire.
Emergency services were called at 11.19pm, with teams from North Kensington, Paddington, West Hampstead and surrounding stations all responding to the scene.
Ambulance Service on High Alert
“We were called at 11:46pm on Thursday 26 January to reports of a fire at Hamilton Terrace, NW8,” said a London Ambulance Service spokesperson.
“We sent a number of resources including an ambulance crew, a medic in a fast response car and members of our hazardous area response team. The incident is ongoing and we are working closely with emergency colleagues.”
The cause of the devastating blaze remains unknown as firefighters continue their battle to bring the fire under control.
