Forest Hill fire: 100 firefighters rush to scene as property engulfed in flames

London Fire Brigade urged residents to close their doors and windows due to smoke.

The blaze broke out at a ground-floor shop which has flats located above it.

As of 8.15pm, the fire service said most of the store is alight.

A single-storey workshop at the back of the shop is also on fire.

Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is at the scene, said: "This will be a protracted incident, with crews working through the night to fully extinguish this fire.

"We're advising people in the local area to continue to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel.

"A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time.

"Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area, including in the A205 South Circular Road. Rail services via Forest Hill station are also being affected as a result of this fire."

London Ambulance Service confirmed its crews are at the scene but said no casualties had been reported.

The fire service said it received 49 calls alerting it to the fire, with the first being made just before 6.30pm.

The cause of the blaze is not known at this time.

Forest Hill tube station has been forced to close as fire crews continue to work at the scene.

Transport for London wrote to X: "Forest Hill station: This station is closed while emergency services respond to a fire alert."

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National Rail confirmed overground trains have been disrupted as a result of the blaze near the railway.

It said: "London Overground trains running towards Crystal Palace/West Croydon are unable to call at Forest Hill due to a fire on a property near the railway."

Southern Railway has also said its services will not be calling at Forest Hill "until further notice".

Videos posted to social media show huge orange flames towering over trees.

Black smoke could be seen billowing from the scene.

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