A massive fire has torn through a Poundland store in Penge, southeast London, triggering a major emergency response that saw sixty firefighters rush to the scene on Tuesday afternoon.
The dramatic blaze sent thick plumes of smoke billowing across the high street, forcing the complete evacuation of the local shopping centre and prompting widespread road closures as emergency services worked to contain the situation.
Emergency Response in Action
London Fire Brigade confirmed they were called at 3:44 PM to reports of a shop fire on Penge High Street. Eight fire engines were deployed to tackle the intense flames that had engulfed the discount retailer.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke poured from the building, with shop staff and customers hurriedly evacuated from neighbouring businesses in the shopping precinct.
Road Closures and Safety Measures
Local authorities swiftly implemented road closures around the area, causing significant disruption to traffic and public transport routes. Police established a safety cordon while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
"The whole high street has been shut down," one local business owner reported. "You could see the smoke from several streets away and the smell was overwhelming."
Ongoing Investigation
While the fire has now been brought under control, the cause remains unknown. Fire investigation teams are expected to begin their work once the site has been declared safe.
London Fire Brigade advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke drift, though no injuries have been reported at this time.
The incident marks one of the largest commercial fires in the Penge area in recent years, with the full extent of damage to the Poundland store yet to be determined.
