Major Fire at Brandon Estate High-Rise in South London – People Reported Trapped
A major fire has broken out at Brawne House on the Brandon Estate in Hillingdon Street, SE17, with multiple emergency calls reporting people trapped inside the building.
The London Fire Brigade source has confirmed the incident is being treated as a “10-pump fire”, with crews from across South London battling the flames in the high-rise residential block.
Firefighters were called at approximately 1:50pm following several 999 reports of smoke and flames coming from the upper floors of the building.
People Reported Inside
According to initial reports, “persons are reported” to be inside the building, although the number and condition of those affected is not yet known.
The London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police are also on scene supporting the response, and a major incident has been declared.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
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At least 10 fire engines and 70+ firefighters are attending
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Ladders and breathing apparatus teams are being deployed
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Multiple calls have been received from residents and witnesses
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The incident is ongoing and highly active
Residents are being urged to avoid the area around Hillingdon Street and Walworth Road, with local roads closed and significant traffic disruption reported.
Eyewitness Accounts
A resident of a nearby block told our reporter:
“There was black smoke pouring out from the top floors, and we saw people waving for help from windows. It’s terrifying – there are kids and elderly people in that building.”
Another added:
“The fire spread fast. Firefighters were running in with hoses and shouting to get people out. There’s debris falling from the balconies.”
Official Statement Awaited
We have reached out to the London Fire Brigade, Met Police, and London Ambulance Service for comment and are awaiting confirmation on any injuries or evacuations.
A Spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of flats on Hillingdon Street in Walworth.
A flat on the 11th floor of a 17-storey building was completely alight. A woman left the property before the Brigade arrived.
Station Commander Tony Perks, who was at the scene, said: “This was a very visible fire, and the area became increasingly busy as a result.
“People are advised to continue to avoid the area at this time, while crews damp down remaining hot spots.”
The Brigade received the first of around 45 calls at 1355 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Dowgate, Dockhead, Soho, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1454.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
