On 16 March 2025, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) mobilised several crews after a major blaze broke out in a disused building in Kingston, south London. As a result, firefighters moved quickly to secure the area and assess the incident.
The fire started in a former cinema and bingo hall on Richmond Road. The brigade received the first of 34 calls at around 2.30pm. In addition, crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham, Richmond, and nearby stations arrived within minutes to support the response.
More than 150 firefighters and 25 fire appliances worked at the scene during the height of the incident. Therefore, LFB increased resources to ensure crews could tackle the blaze effectively and maintain safety.
Two 32-metre turntable ladders gave incident commanders a clear aerial view. This, in turn, improved situational awareness and supported tactical decision-making throughout the operation.
Station Commander Will Thompson explained that crews arrived to find a fast-spreading fire with smoke rising from the roof. Even so, firefighters worked tirelessly for several hours to bring the situation under control and protect nearby properties.
According to MyLondon, the blaze affected large areas of the building. Furthermore, LFB confirmed that the first, second, third, and fourth floors, along with the roof, suffered extensive damage.
Road closures stayed in place into the evening. Meanwhile, Thompson urged people to avoid the area to reduce disruption. The smoke was dense, so residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Crews brought the fire under control at 6.30pm. However, firefighters stayed on site into the evening to damp down remaining hotspots and ensure no further ignition.
No injuries occurred during the incident. Nevertheless, the London Ambulance Service sent an incident response officer to support crews and monitor conditions.
LFB and the Metropolitan Police Service are now investigating the cause. Ultimately, their findings will help improve future fire-safety responses.
(Photograph by the London Fire Brigade)
Article Source: Disused building fire calls on over 150 London firefighters | Fire Protection Association
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