Massive Fire Breaks Out in Forest Hill, South London
A dramatic fire has engulfed a ground-floor shop in a south London neighbourhood, with authorities warning nearby residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. The blaze erupted late on Thursday evening at a property on Perry Vale in Forest Hill, prompting a swift and large-scale emergency response.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were mobilised to the scene. A 25-metre cordon has been established, and motorists and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the area as crews work to bring the fire under control. The incident is affecting a building that houses a shop on the ground floor with flats above it, complicating rescue and containment efforts.
Scale of the Response
Officials say the brigade has mobilised from multiple stations, including Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood, and surrounding areas. A 32-metre turntable ladder has been deployed and is being used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above, a tactic that helps reach flames that may be spreading through upper levels.
As of 9.45pm, the fire was still active on part of the ground-floor shop and portions of the first and second floors. A single-storey workshop at the rear of the shop is also partially alight, illustrating the fire’s reach across adjacent structures. Local residents reported seeing a towering column of smoke and flames visible from surrounding streets.
Evacuations and Public Safety
About 15 people were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. There have been no reported injuries at this stage, according to the emergency services. The London Fire Brigade released guidance for residents to keep doors and windows closed to minimise smoke inhalation and reduce smoke travel to homes.
Forest Hill tube station has been temporarily closed while firefighters manage the incident, contributing to significant traffic disruption in the area. Authorities anticipate ongoing delays and advise the public to avoid the neighbourhood until further notice.
What We Know About the Cause
At present, the cause of the fire is unknown. Firefighters are conducting a thorough assessment of the damage and will determine the origin once it is safe to do so. Investigations will likely focus on the ground-floor shop and any electrical or structural factors that could have contributed to the rapid spread of flames through the building.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Residents around Perry Vale and the Forest Hill area are coping with smoke-filled air and the disruption that comes with a major blaze. Local leaders and emergency services are coordinating evacuations, traffic management, and temporary closures to ensure public safety while crews work to contain the fire.
Fire officials emphasise that the situation is evolving and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. People in the affected area should continue to follow official guidance, monitor local news outlets, and heed any instructions from the emergency services.
The Fire Brigade has indicated that significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area as the response continues, and residents should plan alternate routes if possible. Once the fire is under control, authorities will begin a careful assessment of structural integrity and coordinate any necessary support for residents displaced by the incident.
Stay Informed
For residents in south London, staying informed through official channels is crucial during this developing situation. The London Fire Brigade and local authorities will provide updates as they arrive, including information on reopening roads and tube services.
