Worcester Park Fire: Entire Block Of Flats Destroyed By Blaze
9 September 2019, 08:13
An entire four-storey block of flats has been destroyed following a fire which took more than 100 firefighters to bring under control.
Fire crews said they've dealt with an extremely challenging blaze that engulfed the building in south-west London.
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters were called to a fire in Sherbrooke Way, Worcester Park.
The ground, first, second and third floors of the building and the roof of the building were alight.
The blaze broke out in the early hours, but there are no reports of any injuries.
People living nearby are being urged to keep doors and windows closed.
Local MP Paul Scully spoke to LBC Reporter Henry Riley:
London Fire Brigade said 125 firefighters were at the scene with some likely to be there all day.
Group Manager Rick Ogden, who was at the scene, said: "On arrival, crews were faced with a well developed and intense fire.
"This was a challenging fire involving all floors of a four storey building. Firefighters worked hard to bring the blaze under control."
London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire was under control, but asked the public to avoid the area. In a video from a Global's Newsroom reporter at the scene, firefighters can be seen spraying water on the structure.
The fire in #WorcesterPark is now under control but firefighters will remain at the scene throughout the day. Please avoid the area if possible https://t.co/vwKhI20eC7 pic.twitter.com/GoqcGrLsrP
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) September 9, 2019
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The British Red Cross has since been brought in by Sutton Council to support those affected.
Emergency response operations manager Cristina Dalton said: "At the moment we have six emergency response volunteers at the scene, four of whom are part of our community reserve volunteer team.
"Along with partner organisations we're helping with practical things like emergency supplies, and providing emotional support for anyone who needs to talk about what they're going through. We'll stay here for as long as we're needed."
The block - part of The Hamptons development - is on a former sewage treatment works.
A statement from Metropolitan Thames Valley, a housing association which manages the properties in the block, said: "We're supporting emergency services on the ground and our priority is ensuring that residents are safe."
