Residents in Charlton are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke from a fire at a derelict warehouse on Penhall Road. The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the fire at 9:54 am today and has since brought it under control, though smoke continues to affect the local area.
The blaze, which broke out in a single-storey derelict warehouse, produced a significant amount of smoke, prompting the advisory. Although firefighters have successfully contained the fire, the lingering smoke has led authorities to caution residents to keep their windows and doors shut for the time being.
Quick Response and Containment
Firefighters from multiple stations, including East Greenwich, Greenwich, New Cross, Poplar, and Millwall, were dispatched to the scene. The Brigade deployed ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to tackle the fire. Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were utilized, with one serving as a water tower to combat the fire from above.
The fire was brought under control by 11:40 am, but the area remains impacted by smoke. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures
Road closures are in effect, causing significant disruptions to local traffic, particularly on the A206 Woolwich Road in both directions. The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers received around eight calls reporting the fire, highlighting the swift public response and the urgency of the situation.
Official Statement from London Fire Brigade
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade provided the following statement:
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been tackling a fire on Penhall Road in Charlton. A single-storey derelict warehouse was alight. There have been no reports of any injuries at this time. The fire has been producing a significant amount of smoke. Although the fire has now been brought under control, there is still smoke travelling in the local area and people are advised to continue to keep windows and doors closed at this time. Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were called to assist at the scene, including one used as a water tower to help fight the fire from above. Road closures remain in place and local traffic is impacted, including on the A206 Woolwich Road in both directions. The Brigade was called at 0954 and the fire was brought under control by 1140. Crews from East Greenwich, Greenwich, New Cross, Poplar, Millwall and surrounding fire stations have been at the scene.”
Continuing Precautions
While the immediate danger has passed, the London Fire Brigade urges residents in Charlton to remain cautious and follow the advisory to keep windows and doors closed until the smoke clears. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
