A fire which broke out on the 18th floor of a block of flats in south London is under control.
Around 60 firefighters were called to Hurlock Heights in Deacon Street, Elephant and Castle, just before 11am on Thursday.
Emergency services evacuated the building and taped off the road while firefighters battled the blaze.
Handout photo of smoke billowing from a fire on the 18th floor of a block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London. Picture date: Thursday November 4, 2021.
Armando Soto
Fire crews from Lambeth, Dockhead, Dowgate, Brixton and surrounding fire stations attended.
A video posted on social media showed flames and black smoke coming from a corner balcony of the block of flats.
Valeria Monterosso, 22, who lives in the block of flats, said she was at her friend’s home nearby when the fire began.
Vehicles used by the emergency services at the scene of a fire at a tower block on Deacon Street in Elephant and Castle, south London. Picture date: Thursday November 4, 2021.
Kirsty O'Connor
She told the PA news agency: “I heard ambulances and went outside because I thought I should check on my dog, Marcello.
“I walked over and saw about 15 trucks and thought, ‘oh my God’.
“I saw smoke coming out of the building and was just concerned if everyone was OK. I’ve asked and they’ve (the emergency services) told me everyone is fine.
“My dog is still inside and I’m worried about him, but the police have told me it’s going to be a few hours until they let us back in.”
The fire was under control by 12.15pm.
Station Commander Dave Hill, who was at the scene, said: “Firefighters worked incredibly hard to bring the fire in Elephant and Castle under control.
“Crews evacuated residents on three floors of the building who were affected by smoke. There are currently no reports of any injuries.
“The Brigade’s drone team assisted by providing an aerial view of the incident.
“Road closures are in place and there is heavy congestion. Firefighters are expected to remain on scene this afternoon and we encourage people to avoid the area.”
London Fire Brigade said while the building had cladding, it was not ACM cladding – which was used on Grenfell Tower – and was not affected by the fire.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
A spokesperson for Lendlease, the developer for Hurlock Heights, said: “A flat fire at Hurlock Heights has been extinguished and our thanks go to the emergency services for their swift response. A full and comprehensive investigation will be carried out into the cause of the fire.”
