Crews tackle blaze at south London tower block

Around 70 firefighters were on the scene in Sydenham.

One man was rescued from a flat on the 10th floor
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 21st Aug 2024

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been tackling a fire at a block of flats on Dacres Road in Sydenham.

A 10th floor flat was alight alongside part of the building's roof. The fire has been brought under control but firefighters will remain at the scene extinguishing hotspots.

One man was rescued from a flat on the 10th floor via an internal staircase wearing a fire escape hood by crews in breathing apparatus. He is being treated by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire was producing a significant amount of smoke and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Road closures remain in place and people are asked to avoid the area.

The Brigade's Control Officers received more than 20 calls about the fire.

The Brigade was called at 1540 and the fire was brought under control by 1716. Crews from Forest Hill, Beckenham, West Norwood, Bromley and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. A 64 metre turntable ladder has been in use as an observation tower, along with the Brigade's drone, providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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