Devastating Blaze Rips Through Historic Marylebone Hotel
A huge fire tore through a hotel in Marylebone on Friday afternoon, wrecking the roof and upper floors of the iconic building.
The inferno started in a ground-floor restaurant on Chiltern Street and spread swiftly through the ducting to the roof, sparking a massive emergency response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
Firefighters Battle Fierce Flames
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters rushed to tackle the blaze that engulfed the third floor and roof of the four-storey hotel. Flames also damaged parts of the second floor and some ground-floor sections.
The LFB’s Drone Team provided aerial reconnaissance while two 32-metre turntable ladders attacked the fire from above, helping crews get the upper hand.
Quick Evacuation Avoids Injuries
Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt praised firefighters for their grit and skill. He said:
“Crews worked incredibly hard for over eight hours in arduous conditions. Presented with a complex fire in a historically significant building, formerly the Manchester Square Fire Station, firefighters successfully contained the fire to one property, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.”
About 100 people evacuated the hotel before fire crews arrived. Miraculously, no injuries have been reported. Firefighters stayed on site overnight and into Saturday to douse hotspots and secure the scene.
Accidental Fire Linked to Pizza Oven
Investigators revealed the blaze was accidental. Burning wood from a pizza oven fell and ignited a void between the basement and ground floor, sparking the disastrous fire.
Massive Emergency Response
- The first emergency call came in at 2:52 PM, with a total of 13 calls reporting the fire.
- Firefighters from Euston, Soho, Paddington, West Hampstead, Kensington, Chelsea, and nearby stations raced to the scene.
- By 8:07 PM, when the fire was under control, 63 fire engines, 23 special appliances, and 25 officers had attended the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Warning
Authorities are now assessing the structural damage to the historic hotel, while fire safety officers continue their probe to prevent future disasters.
The London Fire Brigade is urging all businesses with wood-burning ovens to ensure strict fire safety and regular maintenance to avoid similar fires.
