Around 100 firefighters tackled a large fire at a Poundland store on High Street in Penge, southeast London, in the early hours of the morning. Fifteen fire engines were called to the scene at approximately 4:30am after reports of a two-storey terraced shop engulfed in flames.
Dramatic footage shows crews using an aerial platform to douse the fire from above, as flames towered over nearby buildings. The fire ripped through a large part of the ground floor, and firefighters worked to contain it and prevent it from spreading to adjacent properties.
Several neighbouring businesses were evacuated, and around 25 people were taken to a rest centre as a precaution. Local residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. There are no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: 'Crews used a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above, and the Brigade's drone team was deployed to provide greater situational awareness.' The fire was brought under control by 8:48am, but crews remained on scene throughout the day to extinguish remaining hotspots.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade's fire investigators. High Street Penge remains closed, causing significant traffic disruption, and people are advised to avoid the area. Bromley Council is working to support evacuated residents.
