In the early hours of Monday 29th January 2024 a third-floor flat in a three-story residential block on Orchard Grove, Penge, was engulfed in flames, resulting in a massive firefighting operation involving ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters from various stations. The London Fire Brigade’s swift response was instrumental in containing the fire and preventing further casualties.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2.22am when the Brigade was alerted to the blaze. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters were met with a challenging situation as flames leapt from the third-floor flat and also spread to the roof of the building. Immediate action was required to control the situation and ensure the safety of residents.
One woman, who suffered from smoke inhalation, was promptly attended to by the London Ambulance Service crews and subsequently transported to the hospital for further medical care. Fortunately, at least 15 individuals had managed to evacuate the building before the arrival of the firefighters, demonstrating their quick thinking and the importance of fire safety awareness.
The skilled firefighters, with the aid of ten fire engines, worked relentlessly to bring the fire under control by 4.07am While the situation had been stabilised, crews remained at the scene for an extended period to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and to carry out necessary dampening-down procedures.
In their valiant efforts to tackle the blaze, the London Fire Brigade utilised a 32-meter turntable ladder as an observation tower, offering the Incident Commander an enhanced vantage point for assessing and managing the situation. Additionally, the Brigade’s drone team played a crucial role by providing an aerial perspective of the incident, aiding in decision-making and coordination efforts.
As a safety precaution, members of the public are urged to continue avoiding the areas of Orchard Grove and Thicket Road until authorities deem it safe to return.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with fire officials working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident. Fire safety and awareness remain paramount, and incidents like this underscore the importance of being prepared and vigilant.
As investigations continue, our thoughts are with those affected by this fire, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the emergency services for their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.
