Man Arrested After Huge Brixton Blaze Near Underground Station
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a massive fire tore through a storage unit near Brixton London Underground station this morning. The blaze sparked evacuations, station closures, and a huge emergency response.
Fireball Erupts Behind Brixton Market
The inferno broke out around 9:40am on Electric Lane, just behind the bustling Brixton Market. Dramatic social media footage captured a huge fireball exploding in a back alley as locals scrambled to clear bin bags away from the flames.
70 Firefighters Tackle Towering Black Smoke
The London Fire Brigade threw 70 firefighters and multiple engines at the blaze. Thick black smoke billowed over Electric Avenue, choking nearby businesses including a beauty parlour. By 1:30pm, the fire was under control, but crews remain on site to investigate.
“The fire was brought under control this afternoon. Crews will remain on site to damp down and investigate the cause,” a Brigade spokesperson confirmed.
Tube Shutdown and Road Chaos
- Brixton Underground Station was temporarily closed due to smoke.
- Stockwell Station operated on exit-only.
- Major roads including Brixton Road, Atlantic Road, and Acre Lane were closed both ways.
Traffic is backing up around Stockwell Park Walk and Brixton Hill as emergency services work to clear the scene.
Man in 40s Held on Suspicion of Arson
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
“Officers are supporting the London Fire Brigade after a fire at a building on Electric Avenue,Brixton. No injuries have been reported. Surrounding buildings were evacuated and a crime scene established,” said a Met spokesperson.
Historic Electric Avenue Hit by Blaze
Electric Avenue is famous as the UK’s first street lit by electricity and is a cultural icon referenced in music and film. This morning’s fire brought the iconic road to a standstill.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together how the fire started and the full scale of the damage.
