Overview of the Forest Hill blaze
A massive fire has engulfed a ground-floor shop in a south London neighbourhood, with the blaze sending a towering plume of smoke into the evening sky. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were dispatched to the scene in Forest Hill, where the fire is burning a commercial unit beneath a block of flats. A 25-meter cordon has been established, and residents have been urged to stay away and close their windows to minimise smoke exposure.
What happened and where
Emergency services were alerted late on Thursday evening to a fire at a property on Perry Vale, a busy stretch that links several residential streets with local shops. The ground-floor shop is the principal site of the fire, but flames have also affected parts of the first and second floors. A single-storey workshop at the rear of the shop is partially alight, complicating firefighting efforts and raising the potential for rapid smoke spread through the building’s interior.
Impact on residents and local services
Authorities evacuated around 15 people from nearby buildings as a precaution while crews work to contain the blaze. There have been no reports of injuries at this stage, but the incident has caused significant disruption to life in the area. Forest Hill tube station has closed, adding to the travel chaos in south London, and motorists have been advised of notable traffic disruption in the vicinity.
Firefighting efforts and challenges
The LFB has mobilised crews from multiple stations, including Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, and West Norwood, to battle the fire. A 32-meter turntable ladder is in use as a water tower to reach the upper exterior and interior sections of the building, enhancing access for aerial firefighting operations. The brigade reported that the first emergency call came in at 18:27, and responders have continued to work throughout the night to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby flats and other structures.
Current status and safety guidance
As of the latest update, the ground-floor shop remains alight, with fire in other levels also monitored. The public is advised to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed to minimise smoke inhalation. Traffic in the Forest Hill area is expected to remain heavy as firefighters maintain containment and begin assessing structural integrity once conditions allow for safer investigation.
Possible causes and investigation
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. LFB investigators will likely examine the scene once it is safe to do so, looking for signs of accidental ignition or other contributing factors. Residents are reminded that such incidents can arise from various sources, and early reporting by neighbours often helps speed investigations.
What this means for the community
For residents of Forest Hill, the incident underscores the importance of emergency planning and community resilience. Local authorities have issued guidance on staying informed through official channels and keeping a safe distance from the incident site. The fire service will continue to provide updates as they monitor the situation and work toward stabilising the area.
Looking ahead
Firefighters will remain on scene until the fire is fully under control and the area is deemed safe. Once the flames are contained and structural safety is established, officials can begin damage assessment and support for displaced residents. The broader south London community should expect continued travel disruptions in the coming hours as emergency operations continue.
