Shocking scenes unfolded in Catford early on Sunday, March 2, as a suspected arson attack gutted a semi-detached house on Stanstead Road.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded swiftly after receiving nine emergency calls just before 5:40 AM. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Greenwich, and nearby stations rushed to the scene.
By the time crews arrived, flames had engulfed half of a three-roomed ground floor flat, threatening to consume the entire property.
A man managed a dramatic escape from the burning building before fire crews arrived. He was quickly taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service for treatment.
Thanks to the rapid response, the fire was brought under control by 6:38 AM, preventing further damage to the property.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation, treating the fire as suspicious. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody while inquiries continue.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire at a semi-detached house on Stanstead Road in Catford. Half of a three-roomed flat on the ground floor was damaged by the fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.”
They added, “Control Officers took the first of nine calls at 05:38 on Sunday morning and mobilised crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Greenwich, and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 06:38.”
“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the blaze to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Originally published by UKNIP.
