A major fire broke out at a disused block of flats on Newcomen Street, Southwark, early this morning, prompting a response from twelve fire engines and approximately 80 firefighters.
The blaze, which started at around 4:07 AM, destroyed half of the ground floor, part of the first floor, and the staircase between the two floors. Firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue people trapped inside the three- and four-storey property, with five individuals taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
Rescues
Fire crews conducted multiple rescues, including:
- One person rescued from the roof level using a ladder.
- Two people rescued by ladder from the second floor.
- Two people rescued from the basement by crews wearing breathing apparatus and using fire escape hoods.
The fire escape hoods, introduced in 2018 after the Grenfell Tower fire, provide up to 15 minutes of protection from toxic fire gases and can be used by conscious or unconscious individuals.
Timeline of Events
The London Fire Brigade’s 999 Control Centre received the first of around 10 emergency calls reporting the fire at 4:07 AM. Operators provided fire survival guidance to those inside the building until firefighters arrived.
The fire was brought under control by 5:07 AM, with crews from Dowgate, Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Dockhead, Lambeth, Soho, Peckham, and surrounding fire stations responding to the scene.
Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation team are working together to determine the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.
Statement from London Fire Brigade
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
Our crews acted quickly and efficiently to bring the fire under control and carry out multiple rescues. The use of fire escape hoods once again proved critical in ensuring the safety of those trapped inside the building.”
Background on Fire Escape Hoods
Introduced in 2018 as part of post-Grenfell safety improvements, the hoods filter toxic smoke, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, and acrolein, making breathing easier for up to 15 minutes.
Community Impact
The incident has caused significant disruption in the area, with roads around Newcomen Street temporarily closed during firefighting operations. Local residents have expressed concerns about the safety of disused buildings in the area, which can pose risks during emergencies.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact the London Fire Brigade or Metropolitan Police.
