A serious fire broke out at a lower ground floor flat on Old Kent Road in Southwark this morning, prompting a major response from the London Fire Brigade.
Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 9:35am after reports of a blaze engulfing a residential property. Crews were mobilised from Old Kent Road, Dockhead, Dowgate, Whitechapel, and Lambeth fire stations.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus bravely entered the burning building and rescued a man via an internal staircase. Another man had already evacuated before the Brigade arrived. Both were treated on-site by London Ambulance Service crews and then taken to hospital. Their conditions have not been confirmed at this time.
The fire was brought under control by 10:26am. The affected flat was completely destroyed, though the swift response from emergency crews prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the building.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and is understood to involve an electric bike
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident shows how quickly fires can spread and why it is so important to have working smoke alarms in your home. They provide vital early warning and can save lives.”
Residents in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed while crews tackled the fire due to the heavy smoke.
