A significant fire erupted in Kilburn, northwest London, on the afternoon of 17 January 2025, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The blaze, which broke out in a derelict building on Coventry Close, sent plumes of thick smoke billowing into the area, leaving locals choking and forcing emergency services to act swiftly.
Emergency Response
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to tackle the fire. Crews from stations across the city, including Paddington and Chelsea, were mobilized to the scene. According to the LFB:
“The whole of the ground floor in the three-storey building is alight. Three people have been helped to safety by crews wearing breathing apparatus at the rear of the building.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Dramatic images shared on social media show black smoke pouring from the disused brown-brick building, once a Job Centre, now covered in graffiti. Witnesses described the intensity of the situation, with one local stating:
“The smoke was choking. People were rushing to get out of the area while the firefighters battled the flames.”
Safety Measures
Three individuals were safely evacuated from the building by the fire crews. There are no immediate reports of injuries. However, the LFB has urged residents to remain cautious and advised anyone nearby to avoid the area while the situation is being brought under control.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and investigations are expected to follow once the site is secured. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact local fire services.
Residents and businesses nearby are advised to keep windows and doors shut to avoid inhaling any harmful smoke.
