Major Fire Engulfs Ground-Floor Shop in Forest Hill
A massive fire broke out late Thursday evening in a south London neighbourhood, causing the fire brigade to issue urgent warnings to residents to stay away from the area and keep windows closed. The blaze began at a ground-floor shop below a block of flats in Forest Hill, drawing a large emergency response and prompting significant disruption to local life.
In total, around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were dispatched to the scene to combat the flames. Firefighters faced intense heat as part of the ground-floor shop, which also has flats above, remained alight into the night. A single-storey workshop to the rear of the shop was also partially burning, adding to the complexity of the firefighting operation.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that a 25-metre cordon has been established and residents have been urged to stay away from the area and to close their doors and windows to avoid smoke exposure. Local road users were warned of significant traffic disruption as emergency responders worked to contain the fire and make the area safe.
Impact on Residents and Local Infrastructure
About 15 people were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. There were no reported injuries at the time of the latest updates, but the incident underscored the potential hazards associated with heavy smoke and structural damage in and around the affected building.
Forest Hill tube station was closed as a precaution while firefighters continued to tackle the blaze. The disruption to transport and traffic highlighted the broader effect on the community, with motorists advised to avoid the area while crews work toward full containment.
Official Response and Ongoing Operation
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade provided a brief on the scale of the response: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Perry Vale in Forest Hill. The fire is affecting a ground-floor shop, which has flats situated above. People in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel. A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time. Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area.”
The response team also deployed a 32-metre turntable ladder, operated as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above, illustrating the scale and urgency of the operation. The brigade noted that the exact cause of the fire was unknown at that stage, and investigations would follow once the scene was safe.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
With the area still under active management by fire crews, residents and visitors are advised to monitor official updates from the London Fire Brigade and local authorities. While the immediate danger may diminish as firefighters gain the upper hand, the aftermath—damaged flats above the shop, concerns about air quality, and ongoing traffic issues—will likely affect the community for days to come.
Authorities emphasise the importance of staying clear of the cordoned area, ensuring doors and windows stay closed to minimize smoke inhalation, and following guidance on safe routes for travel around Forest Hill. Local businesses in the vicinity may face short-term closures or reduced foot traffic as emergency services complete their work and the area is cleared for normal activity.
Looking Ahead
As investigators assess the scene and determine a cause, residents will be keen to understand what happened and how best to recover. City services, including transport and emergency management, will likely issue further advisories in the coming hours. For now, the priority remains ensuring public safety, preventing smoke exposure, and supporting those who had to evacuate or were otherwise affected by the incident.
