DOZENS of firefighters are battling a huge flat blaze, sending thick smoke billowing through a busy shopping street.
The fire broke out on Hatcham Park Mews in New Cross, south-east London, with London Fire Brigade warning the public to avoid the area.
The incident has since escalated, with 15 fire engines and about 100 firefighters now on the scene
The cause of the fire is not yet knownLondonFire / X
LNPLocals are urged to keep windows and doors shut as thick smoke billows from the blaze[/caption]
In a post on X, the brigade said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been called to a fire on Hatcham Park Mews in #NewCross.
“More info to follow.”
Crews later confirmed: “The flat fire in #NewCross is continuing to produce heavy smoke.
“If you’re local, please keep your windows & doors shut.
“Three exterior balconies are alight, as well as half of the roof space.”
The incident has since escalated, with 15 fire engines and about 100 firefighters now on the scene.
Two 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers to tackle the flames from above.
Videos shared on social media appear to show flames and smoke coming from the block as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
Station Commander Patrick Ackroyd, who is currently at the scene, said: “The fire is generating a large plume of smoke, particularly around the junction of New Cross Road and Queens Road.
If you live or work nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed.
“The incident is also causing significant traffic disruption, so we’re asking people to avoid the area where possible.”
The first of eight 999 calls came in at 4.27pm, with crews from New Cross, Peckham, Greenwich, Deptford and nearby stations rushing to the scene.
Transport has also been hit: “Hatcham Park Rd is shut Eastbound from the A2 to Camplin St. Blackwall, the A13 stays shut Eastbound from A102 to Leamouth Rd for investigations.
“Bus route 115 diverts.”
Video taken locally shows smoke drifting across the shopping street as crews work to contain the flames.
Pictures from the scene show crews using turntable ladders to blast water from above, while thick smoke drifts across the shopping street.
Residents living nearby have been urged to keep their windows and doors shut as the fumes continue to spread.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
LNPThe fire broke out on Hatcham Park Mews in New Cross, south-east London[/caption]
LNPTwo 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers to tackle the flames from above[/caption]
LNPLondon Fire Brigade warning the public to avoid the area[/caption]
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
