Fifteen fire trucks and approximately 100 firefighters rushed to a store in London that caught fire this evening. The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire impacted a ground floor shop with residential flats above it. Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut, and the nearby station was closed, leading to significant travel disruptions.
A 25-meter safety perimeter was established, and the public was urged to avoid the area as the cause of the fire remains unknown. Firefighters are currently working to contain a fire that started in a shop and connected workshop in Forest Hill, causing traffic disruptions and impacting Forest Hill station commuters. Surrounding buildings were evacuated, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
The blaze, which began around 6:30 pm, is still active, with parts of the ground floor shop and upper floors engulfed in flames. Station Commander Anthony Lewis emphasized that the incident will require extensive effort to extinguish, urging locals to keep their windows closed due to smoke. Traffic disruptions are expected in the Forest Hill area, including on the A205 South Circular Road, and rail services through Forest Hill station are also affected.
Southern Rail services to Forest Hill have been suspended until further notice, with alternative routes and bus services provided. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing as a safety cordon remains in place. Residents and commuters in the Forest Hill vicinity are advised to anticipate traffic delays due to the emergency response.
