Forest Hill Fire: 100 Firefighters Tackle Massive Blaze at Shop and Flats in South London

A major blaze swept through a shop and residential flats in Forest Hill, South London, late Thursday night, prompting one of the largest emergency responses in the area this year. According to the London Fire Brigade, around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were deployed to Perry Vale after multiple emergency calls reported flames erupting from a three-storey building.

The Forest Hill fire sent plumes of thick black smoke across South London, visible from as far as Catford and Sydenham. The incident caused severe disruption to local traffic and temporarily affected rail services operating through Forest Hill Station. Authorities have confirmed that around 15 residents were safely evacuated, with no major injuries reported.

Massive Response from London Fire Brigade

The fire broke out shortly before 9 p.m. on 16 October 2025, inside a commercial property on the ground floor, believed to be a local retail shop, with two levels of residential flats above. Within minutes, flames had spread upward through the building’s roof structure, forcing urgent evacuation of nearby homes.

Firefighters from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Peckham, Greenwich, and Brixton fire stations arrived swiftly, supported by additional crews from across South London. Using aerial ladders and breathing apparatus, crews tackled the fire from multiple angles to prevent flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

Speaking to Brito News, Assistant Commissioner Tom George praised the professionalism of the firefighters involved.

“Crews worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control and prevent what could have been an even more serious situation. Our teams responded rapidly and effectively to protect lives and property,” he said.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire was brought under control by approximately 1:20 a.m. on Friday, though firefighters remained at the scene well into the early morning hours to dampen down hotspots and assess structural damage.

Evacuations and Immediate Safety Measures

Residents from the affected building and surrounding flats were swiftly evacuated as a precaution. Emergency responders established a 100-metre cordon around the site to manage safety and facilitate firefighting operations.

A total of 15 people were evacuated, and two individuals received medical attention at the scene for smoke inhalation, according to the London Ambulance Service. Fortunately, both were treated on-site and did not require hospital admission.

Lewisham Council, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade, arranged temporary accommodation for displaced residents. In a statement issued Friday morning, the council confirmed that a local community hall in Perry Vale had been opened as a support and relief centre, offering shelter, food, and emergency assistance.

The Scene at Perry Vale

When Brito News reporters arrived early Friday morning, the impact of the Forest Hill fire was clearly visible. The shop unit at street level was reduced to a charred shell, its windows shattered and the roof collapsed inward. Upper floors showed extensive fire and smoke damage, while firefighters could be seen removing debris and inspecting weakened sections of the building’s frame.

Neighbouring shops, including a café and a small grocery store, suffered smoke and water damage but remained structurally sound. Police cordons extended across much of Perry Vale, with diversions in place for vehicles and pedestrians.

Local resident Amelia Brooks, who lives on a nearby street, described the scene to Brito News:

“We heard popping sounds like fireworks, and then flames started pouring out of the shopfront. The firefighters arrived so quickly. They were incredible — climbing ladders, spraying water from above. It was terrifying but impressive to see how they handled it.”

Disruption to Transport and Local Infrastructure

The Forest Hill fire caused widespread disruption to both road and rail services across the area. Perry Vale and sections of Waldram Park Road were closed overnight, causing delays and diversions on key commuter routes.

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that bus routes 122, 356, and 185 were diverted, while train services at Forest Hill Station experienced temporary suspension due to the proximity of heavy smoke and emergency vehicles.

By Friday morning, Southern Rail and London Overground services had resumed normal operations, though commuters were advised to allow extra travel time. Road closures were gradually lifted after engineers inspected the scene for debris and structural hazards.

Health and Safety Advisory

The London Fire Brigade and Lewisham Council issued public health guidance urging residents to keep windows and doors closed due to lingering smoke in the air overnight. Air quality monitoring teams were deployed to assess pollution levels across Forest Hill, Catford, and Sydenham.

By midday Friday, environmental officers confirmed that air quality had returned to safe levels, allowing residents to resume normal activities. However, officials reiterated that those with respiratory conditions should avoid the area until cleanup operations were complete.

The Metropolitan Police maintained a safety perimeter throughout Friday to prevent access to unstable sections of the building.

Extent of the Damage

Initial assessments conducted by the London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation Unit and local engineers revealed severe fire damage to the roof and upper residential floors of the building. The ground-floor shop sustained total interior destruction, including loss of inventory, fixtures, and electrical systems.

Early estimates suggest that the property may be structurally unsound, and demolition of the upper sections might be required. Neighbouring buildings were inspected for heat damage, with minor cracking and smoke stains observed but no major structural compromise detected.

Speaking exclusively to Brito News, a fire investigation officer stated:

“The speed at which the flames spread suggests that the fire was already well developed before our arrival. Wooden beams and an open stairwell between floors accelerated vertical fire spread.”

Cause of the Fire Under Investigation

The cause of the Forest Hill fire remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing that it is too early to determine whether it was accidental or linked to electrical faults. The London Fire Brigade’s investigation team has begun examining CCTV footage from nearby shops and collecting witness statements.

A spokesperson for the brigade told Brito News:

“Our investigators are working closely with the Metropolitan Police and local authorities to identify the ignition source. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest foul play, but all possibilities remain open until forensic analysis is complete.”

Preliminary theories include an electrical malfunction in the shop unit or a faulty appliance, but official confirmation is pending laboratory results from fire debris samples.

Community Response and Relief Efforts

The Forest Hill community has responded swiftly with support for those affected by the blaze. Volunteers from Lewisham Local, a network of community groups, coordinated food and clothing donations, while Lewisham Foodbank distributed emergency care packages.

Local councillor Sarah Bentley commended firefighters and residents for their calm cooperation:

“This incident has shown the strength of the Forest Hill community. Everyone pulled together — neighbours helped evacuate the elderly, volunteers offered shelter, and emergency crews worked through the night. Brito News has been instrumental in helping keep residents informed.”

A GoFundMe campaign has already been launched by local residents to assist one of the displaced families whose flat was completely destroyed.

Official Statements and Coordination

In a morning press briefing, Assistant Commissioner Tom George reiterated that the London Fire Brigade’s priority is ensuring structural safety before allowing re-entry to the building.

“We’re conducting a full fire investigation and structural review. Our crews will remain on-site for some time to ensure there are no remaining hotspots.”

Lewisham Council confirmed that temporary housing has been arranged for all displaced residents, and environmental health teams are monitoring conditions.

The Metropolitan Police also issued a brief statement noting there were no arrests or indications of criminal activity, but the area will remain restricted until all safety assessments are complete.

Ongoing Clean-Up Operations

By Friday afternoon, crews continued to remove debris and check for residual hotspots. Contractors arrived on-site to begin stabilization work, including boarding up damaged windows and removing unsafe roof sections.

Engineers from Lewisham Council’s Building Control team are expected to issue a formal report within days to determine whether parts of the structure can be salvaged.

Brito News observed workers installing temporary fencing around the site to ensure public safety while clean-up continues. Dust suppression measures have been implemented to reduce smoke particles in the surrounding area.

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Q1. What caused the Forest Hill fire in London?

The exact cause of the Forest Hill fire is still under investigation by the London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation unit. Early reports suggest the blaze may have started in the ground-floor shop due to an electrical fault, but officials have not confirmed the cause yet.

Q2. How many firefighters responded to the Forest Hill fire?

According to the London Fire Brigade, around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were deployed to tackle the Forest Hill fire on Perry Vale, South London. Crews worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control.

Q3. Were there any injuries reported in the Forest Hill fire?

No major injuries have been reported. Fifteen residents were evacuated from the affected building, and two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service.

Q4. How long did it take to bring the Forest Hill fire under control?

The fire started shortly before 9 p.m. on 16 October 2025 and was brought under control by around 1:20 a.m. on 17 October. Firefighters remained at the scene through the early morning to damp down hotspots and ensure safety.

Q5. Which areas were affected by the Forest Hill fire?

The fire primarily affected a shop and the residential flats above it on Perry Vale in Forest Hill, South London. Nearby buildings sustained minor smoke damage, and temporary road closures were enforced on Perry Vale and Waldram Park Road.

Q6. What advice has been given to local residents after the fire?

Authorities have advised residents near Perry Vale to keep windows and doors closed due to residual smoke. Air quality levels were monitored overnight and confirmed safe by Friday afternoon.

Q7. How is Lewisham Council helping residents affected by the Forest Hill fire?

Lewisham Council has arranged temporary accommodation and opened a local support centre for displaced residents. The council, in partnership with community groups, is providing emergency aid, food, and housing support.

Q8. Is the Forest Hill fire fully extinguished now?

Yes. As of Friday morning, the London Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire is fully extinguished. Cleanup and investigation work continue, with safety teams assessing the structural condition of the affected building.

Q9. Was public transport affected by the Forest Hill fire?

Yes. Several bus routes, including the 122, 356, and 185, were diverted, and rail services at Forest Hill Station were briefly suspended due to smoke. All routes resumed normal operations on Friday morning.

Q10. Who covered the Forest Hill fire updates?

The incident was covered by multiple London media outlets including Brito News, BBC London, Sky News, and ITV. Brito News provided detailed on-ground updates, community impact coverage, and official statements.