Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters were deployed to tackle a major fire that broke out in a mid-terraced townhouse converted into flats on Mangold Way, Erith, on Saturday evening.
The London Fire Brigade was first alerted at 7:16pm (31 May), with Control Officers receiving 32 emergency calls from concerned residents and witnesses. Fire crews from Erith, Bexley, and East Greenwich fire stations responded promptly to the scene.
Flames Engulf Flat and Garage
Upon arrival, firefighters found both a garage and a flat fully alight. A 32-metre turntable ladder was deployed as an observation tower, giving the Incident Commander a strategic aerial view of the fire.
The fire was declared under control by 9:16pm, two hours after the first call was received.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and there have been no confirmed reports of injuries at this time. Residents of neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated as a precaution while crews brought the fire under control.
Large-Scale Response
The fire prompted a significant response due to the potential risks of structural spread in a densely populated residential area. The property was one of several townhouses converted into multiple dwellings, increasing complexity for firefighting teams navigating internal layouts.
Local roads, including sections of Cow Road and Mangold Way, were closed to allow emergency access.
