A massive blaze erupted just before 6pm on March 25 at a commercial property on Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, sending smoke billowing across the area.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters rushed to the scene to tackle the intense inferno. The ground-floor shop was completely gutted by the flames, which also caused damage to part of a first-floor flat.
In a heroic rescue, firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used a fire escape hood to lead a child to safety from a third-floor flat. Station Commander Tony Perks said, “Initial crews faced a very intense fire on arrival and worked swiftly to bring it under control and ensure residents in flats above the shop were safe.”
These fire escape hoods, introduced after the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2018, provide up to 15 minutes’ protection against deadly smoke and toxic gases.
The blaze was brought under control by 7.08pm thanks to efforts from crews including those from Dockhead, Old Kent Road, and Whitechapel. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Commander Perks warned, “There are road closures in place, which are expected to remain for several hours this evening, and we recommend people continue to avoid the area.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Originally published by UKNIP.
