
More than eighty firefighters rushed to battle a significant blaze that engulfed a commercial building in Forest Hill, southeast London, in a dramatic overnight operation.
The London Fire Brigade deployed ten fire engines to the scene on Dartmouth Road after receiving multiple emergency calls just before 11 PM on Wednesday. Fire crews from surrounding stations including Peckham, Lewisham, and Deptford responded to the urgent call.
Intense Firefighting Operation
Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the single-storey structure as flames lit up the night sky. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to bring the blaze under control, using multiple jets and breathing apparatus to tackle the intense flames.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: "Firefighters have been fighting a fire at a commercial building on Dartmouth Road in Forest Hill. The building's roof has been damaged by fire, and crews are likely to remain at the scene throughout the morning damping down hotspots."
Road Closures and Safety Measures
The major firefighting operation necessitated road closures in the immediate area, with Dartmouth Road shut to traffic while emergency services dealt with the incident. Police assisted with traffic management and ensuring public safety around the perimeter.
Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to significant smoke in the area. The cause of the fire is now under investigation by fire safety officers.
Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries to members of the public or firefighters during this challenging operation. The swift response from London's emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.