A large fire broke out in central London on Friday morning, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and prompting a swift response from emergency services. Around 40 firefighters were deployed to tackle the flames, which engulfed parts of two buildings near Tottenham Street, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that its first paramedic arrived within two minutes of the emergency call. A man was rescued from the fire using a specialist fire escape hood, designed to provide short-term protection against toxic smoke, before being transported to hospital. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
Fire crews were alerted to the incident at 7:43 am, with teams from Soho, Euston, and Islington among those dispatched, according to the LFB. A 32-metre turntable ladder was used to combat the blaze from above, while six fire engines were mobilised to contain the spread.
According to Alec McNally, station commander at the brigade, the fire had spread to an atrium-style conservatory near the roof of the building, further complicating firefighting efforts. Crews worked rapidly to bring the flames under control, managing to extinguish the fire within two hours.
Authorities urged people to avoid the area, while local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke inhalation. The London Ambulance Service deployed multiple resources, including members of its Hazardous Area Response Team, to assist those affected.
Damage Assessment and Ongoing Investigation
According to the LFB, the fire caused significant damage to the buildings involved, with much of the ground floor being affected. Despite the severity of the incident, only one person required hospital treatment, and no fatalities were reported.
The fire escape hood, which was used to rescue the individual trapped inside, can provide up to 15 minutes of protection against toxic fumes, allowing firefighters to evacuate victims safely in smoke-filled environments.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an official investigation is underway. Authorities will assess whether structural or electrical faults may have contributed to the outbreak. Firefighters have since completed their work at the scene, with the incident declared over by 9:36 am.
