A significant fire has broken out at a Poundland store in Penge, southeast London, sending plumes of thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and drawing a major emergency response.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed they were called to the scene on High Street, Penge, at approximately 2:00 PM today, with multiple fire engines rushing to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Witnesses reported seeing intense flames and dense smoke emerging from the popular discount retailer, prompting immediate safety concerns in the busy high street area.
Local authorities have implemented road closures around the incident zone, with police advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the vicinity while firefighting operations continue.
Eyewitness Accounts
"The smoke was unbelievable - you could see it from several streets away," said one local shopkeeper. "There were flames coming from the building and the fire crews arrived incredibly quickly."
Another resident described the scene as "chaotic but controlled," praising the rapid response of emergency services who worked to secure the area and ensure public safety.
Safety Precautions and Air Quality
London Fire Brigade has urged local residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the significant smoke plume affecting air quality in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
There are currently no reports of casualties, though emergency services continue to assess the situation and monitor the structural integrity of the affected building.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as fire crews work to fully extinguish the blaze and prevent any potential spread to adjacent properties.
