About 100 firefighters raced to tackle a massive fire engulfing a shop on Perry Vale, Forest Hill, southeast London. The blaze erupted at around 6:30pm, triggering 49 emergency calls. The ground-floor commercial property is ablaze, with residential flats above, raising fears for residents’ safety.
A 25-metre safety cordon is in place, and locals are urged to steer clear as thick smoke chokes the area. Authorities have warned residents to keep windows and doors shut to avoid harmful smoke inhalation.
London Fire Brigade Launches Full-Scale Assault
The London Fire Brigade’s massive response involves crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood, and nearby stations. They’ve deployed a 32-metre turntable ladder to soak the flames from above.
With commercial premises below and residential flats above, there are concerns about possible sources including electrical faults or cooking mishaps.
Community in Shock as Emergency Operation Continues
Forest Hill’s tight-knit community is rattled by the dramatic sight of 15 fire engines hammering the scene. Local shops nearby have shut early due to smoke and road closures, hurting small businesses.
With residents displaced, emergency housing is likely to be arranged as authorities assess the damage. Firefighters are expected to stay through the night to prevent flare-ups and ensure the building is structurally safe.
The Perry Vale fire also echoes the area’s historic ties to London’s fire service. The old Perry Vale Fire Station, a Grade II listed building nearby, recalls a long history of firefighting in the area.
London Fire Brigade urges anyone with information or who witnessed the fire’s early moments to come forward as the investigation ramps up.
