In the early hours of Monday, January 29, a severe fire broke out in a Penge block of flats, leading to the hospitalization of a woman due to smoke inhalation. Approximately 70 firefighters were dispatched to Orchard Grove following an emergency call at 2:22 am, marking the start of a rigorous battle against the flames that had engulfed a third-floor flat and part of the roof of the three-story building.
Before the London Fire Brigade’s arrival, sixteen individuals had already vacated the premises, while an additional three people evacuated after receiving guidance from the Brigade’s 999 Control Officers. The London Ambulance Service promptly attended to the affected woman, ensuring her swift transport to the hospital for the necessary medical attention.
Firefighting units from Beckenham, West Norwood, Woodside, Forest Hill, and neighbouring stations converged on the scene, employing a 32-meter turntable ladder to gain an enhanced vantage point over the blaze. Additionally, the Brigade’s drone team was activated to provide an aerial view of the incident, aiding in the strategic containment and suppression of the fire.
The concerted efforts of the firefighters succeeded in bringing the fire under control by approximately 4:07 am. Despite this achievement, crews are expected to remain on-site to thoroughly extinguish any lingering flames and perform dampening operations to prevent any resurgence.
As the community begins to recover from the shock and disruption caused by the fire, the London Fire Brigade is diligently working to ascertain the cause of the blaze. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities keen on understanding the circumstances that led to the fire, as part of their commitment to enhancing fire safety and prevention measures in residential areas.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the critical role of emergency services in safeguarding the public. The swift action of the firefighters and the collaborative response of the emergency services helped avert a potentially more catastrophic outcome, underscoring the valour and readiness of London’s first responders.
