Fire rips through flats in south London leaving dozens of residents 'displaced'

Fire rips through flats in south London leaving dozens of residents 'displaced'Firefighters spent hours extinguishing the flames that engulfed rows of former townhouses

Allow Exco Player content

This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.

Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines spent hours tackling a major blaze which swept over rows of flats in South London.

Numerous calls were made to London Fire Brigade after converted ex-townhouses in Belgrave Walk, Mitcham became engulfed in flames on Saturday, July 25.

Firefighters managed to eventually extinguish the blaze after it consumed the roof spaces of the flats.

There are no reports of any injuries.

The fire at Belgrave Walk in Mitcham, South LondonLondon Fire Brigade

Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: "Firefighters worked tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control during what has been a very hot day.

"Although the fire is now under control, firefighters will remain at the scene this evening tackling hot spots and carrying out damping-down operations to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

“We continue to ask local residents to keep their doors and windows closed while crews remain on scene, as some smoke may still be present. Please also continue to avoid the area.

"Crews are carrying out a systematic search of all the affected buildings, supported by the Brigade's drone capability to search areas that are difficult to access.

“One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders has also been deployed as part of the firefighting operation, allowing crews to tackle the fire safely from height.

"Around 35 residents have been displaced, and a rest centre has been established at a local church. Our Community Engagement team is at the scene, working closely with partner agencies to support those affected by the incident.

"I would like to thank our firefighters, Control officers and all the staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this incident. Their professionalism and dedication have been exceptional, particularly in such challenging conditions."

Read More

The Brigade took the first of over 60 calls reporting the fire at 3.10pm. Control Officers mobilised crews from Sutton, Wallington, Wandsworth and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

The fire was under control by 5.53pm.

The cause is under investigation.