Over 100 firefighters, supported by 15 fire engines, fought a significant fire at a Poundland store in London this morning. The incident occurred on High Street in Penge at around 4:30 am, with a substantial portion of the ground floor engulfed in flames.
As fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze at the two-story terraced shop, neighboring buildings were evacuated for safety measures. A water tower was utilized to combat the fire from above. The public was advised to steer clear of the area until the situation was contained.
The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire was brought under control by 8:48 am. Despite this, High Street remained closed, causing disruptions expected to last throughout the day.
According to a statement from the London Fire Brigade, the fire operation involved 15 fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters. Crews utilized a 32-meter turntable ladder as a water tower to aid in extinguishing the fire from above. The Brigade’s drone team was deployed to enhance the Incident Commander’s situational awareness. Approximately 25 individuals were evacuated to a rest center as a precaution, while residents in the vicinity were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to smoke concerns.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Brigade’s fire investigators. Images from the scene captured the intense flames ravaging the building, with recent photos showcasing the aftermath of the Poundland store, now with the fire under control. Public safety messages urged individuals to avoid the affected area.
Social media users shared accounts of the fire, with one individual posting about the large-scale fire in Penge High Street and another mentioning the visible impact of the incident on the horizon. Messages of support for those impacted and appreciation for the efforts of firefighters were also circulated online.
A Poundland spokesperson expressed concern over the incident and gratitude for the swift response of the fire service. The company pledged to cooperate with authorities and provide updates as necessary.
Readers can subscribe to receive email updates on major stories from the day.