Major Blaze Erupts at Brawne House on Brandon Estate
A huge fire has broken out at Brawne House on the Brandon Estate, Hillingdon Street, SE17. Multiple emergency calls reported people trapped inside the towering block as flames engulfed the upper floors.
Massive Fire Response Underway
The London Fire Brigade confirmed the blaze is a “10-pump fire,” with over 70 firefighters and at least 10 fire engines battling the inferno. Crews from across South London rushed to the scene, deploying ladders and breathing apparatus teams to tackle the high-rise blaze.
Firefighters were first called at around 1:50pm following numerous 999 reports of smoke and flames pouring from the top floors. The fire was under control by 2:54pm but the incident remains highly active as crews work hard to fully extinguish remaining hot spots.
People Reported Inside as Emergency Services Rush In
Initial reports say “persons are reported” trapped inside the building, though the exact number and their conditions remain unclear. Ambulance crews and the Metropolitan Police are on scene supporting the operation, which has been declared a major incident.
Residents Warned to Avoid Area Amid Road Closures
Residents around Hillingdon Street and Walworth Road have been urged to steer clear of the area. Several local roads are closed, causing significant traffic disruption as emergency services carry out their work.
Eyewitnesses Describe Horror at the Scene
“There was black smoke pouring out from the top floors, and we saw people waving for help from windows,” said one nearby resident. “It’s terrifying – there are kids and elderly people in that building.”
Another witness added, “The fire spread fast. Firefighters were in with hoses shouting to get people out. There’s debris falling from the balconies.”
Official Statements and Investigation Under Way
London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: “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 the 17-storey building was completely alight. A woman left the property before the Brigade arrived.”
Station Commander Tony Perks, on 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 cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Emergency services are yet to confirm any injuries or evacuations.
