Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of flats on Great Suffolk Street in Borough in the early hours of the morning, just after midnight on today (Saturday November 7).
In total six people were rescued while another 25 fled the building before firefighters arrived.
Two vehicles in the basement of the building, used for residential and business purposes, were destroyed and part of four further vehicles were damaged by fire. Half of the basement was also damaged by the blaze.
Four adults and two children were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
Borough Commander Lee Sandy, who was at the scene, said: “Around 25 people left the building before the Brigade arrived.
“Firefighters used fire escape hoods to rescue four people from the building. Crews wearing breathing apparatus also rescued a further two people. They were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
“Southwark Bridge Road was closed whilst crews worked to make the scene safe and local people were encouraged to find alternative routes.”
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to fifteen minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than fifteen minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
Thirty 999 calls were made to the blaze from 00:50 hours and the fire was under control by 03:27 hours.
Fire crews from Lambeth, Dowgate, Old Kent Road and surrounding fire stations raced to the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.
If you’re not allowed out some people will let off fireworks indoors.