A significant fire erupted in southeast London’s Forest Hill neighborhood on the evening of October 16, 2025, prompting a large-scale emergency response that saw around 100 firefighters battle the intense blaze for more than three hours. The fire, which took hold of a ground-floor shop with residential flats above and a workshop at the rear, sent thick plumes of smoke into the night sky, disrupting local life and transport.
The Inferno Unfolds in Forest Hill
The alarm was first raised at approximately 6:27 pm on Thursday evening, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) receiving 49 emergency calls concerning the fire at the property on Perry Vale. Upon arrival, crews were met with a fully-developed fire that had taken hold of the ground floor shop, as well as the basement, first, and second floors of the building. A single-storey workshop located at the rear of the premises was also significantly affected. Dramatic footage shared on social media captured towering flames and dense smoke billowing from the structure, highlighting the ferocity of the incident.
Evacuations and Community Impact
In the interest of public safety, approximately 15 people were evacuated from neighboring buildings and were taken to a local rest centre while crews worked to contain the fire. Fortunately, most sources indicate that no serious injuries were reported among residents or firefighters, although one report noted a man sustained an injury but did not require hospital treatment. The LFB established a 25-metre cordon around the affected area, urging the public to avoid the vicinity due to the ongoing operations and the potential danger. Residents in the immediate vicinity were also advised to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes.
Extensive Firefighting Operations
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters, mobilised from stations including Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, and West Norwood, were deployed to tackle the significant blaze. To combat the flames from above, two 32-metre turntable ladders were brought to the scene and used as water towers, providing crucial support in dousing the fire. The LFB also utilized a drone to provide incident commanders with enhanced situational awareness of the fire’s spread and the operational effectiveness. Station Commander Anthony Lewis described the event as a “protracted incident,” emphasizing that crews were expected to remain on site through the night to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. The fire was officially brought under control by 11:44 pm, though parts of the building and workshop remained alight as work continued into the early hours of Friday morning.
Travel Disruption and Unknown Cause
The major incident caused considerable disruption across Forest Hill, a neighborhood that has seen a rise in popularity among Londoners. Significant traffic delays were reported, particularly on the A205 South Circular Road, a key artery in southeast London. Rail services via Forest Hill station were also affected, leading to travel chaos for commuters and local residents.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is currently underway to determine how the blaze started. Some initial reports suggest it may have originated in the workshop at the rear of the shop, possibly during hot works, but this has not been officially confirmed. The property housed Finches Emporium, a well-known skiing and snowboarding store, adding to the impact on local businesses. This news is a significant event for London, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in the capital.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of fire and the dedication of the London Fire Brigade in protecting the city and its residents. Further updates on the investigation into the cause of the fire are anticipated.
