West Street in Erith has been closed in both directions this afternoon following a fire that broke out in a building above a supermarket.
What We Know So Far
- London Fire Brigade crews are currently on the scene, tackling the blaze.
- The fire is located in a building above a supermarket on West Street.
- Emergency services were called at around 4:00 PM, prompting a full road closure for safety reasons.
- Thick smoke has been seen billowing from the upper floors, though it remains unclear how the fire started.
Emergency Response
Firefighters are working hard to bring the flames under control. Witnesses report that at least four fire engines and several London Ambulance Service units are present.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“We were called to reports of a fire in a building on West Street, Erith. Crews are currently tackling the blaze and working to ensure the safety of surrounding properties.”
Traffic Disruptions
The closure of West Street is causing significant traffic delays in Erith town centre, with diversions in place along Bexley Road and Fraser Road. Local bus routes are also being impacted, with TfL advising passengers to check before they travel.
Evacuations and Safety
- It is currently unknown if there are any injuries, but nearby buildings, including the supermarket below the fire, have been evacuated as a precaution.
- The London Ambulance Service has confirmed that paramedics are on standby.
Witness Accounts
A local shop owner said:
“I saw smoke coming out of the upstairs windows. Firefighters arrived really quickly, and they’ve been working hard to stop it from spreading.”
Another passerby added:
“There was a lot of confusion at first, but the area has been cleared, and emergency services are handling it well.”
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