- Did YOU see the fire? Email jose.ramos@dailymail.co.uk
A devastating fire has ‘largely destroyed’ the roof of a Grade-II listed cinema – but the building has been saved from further damage, the London Fire Brigade has confirmed.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to tackle the huge flames at the Odeon on Beckenham High Street this morning.
Crews were alerted just before 8am this morning with 18 calls registered and smoke visible from miles away after the blaze started on the roof next door to the Odeon.
Firefighters from Beckenham, Bromley, Woodside, Forest Hill and other nearby stations rushed a 32-metre (105ft) turntable ladder to the scene in an effort to attack the flames from above.
The roof of the multi-use building, which had been under refurbishment, was still alight more than an hour after emergency services were called, with flames also spreading to the first and second floors.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the fire had caused some damage, but the cinema itself remained intact and there were no reported injuries.
Station Commander Tony Perks, who was at the scene, said: ‘We did stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, including the cinema.’
The blaze had also generated large amounts of smoke, prompting the LFB to urge residents to keep windows and doors shut.
Images shared online showed black smoke billowing from the scene as cars slowed down in the nearby streets.
Smoke was seen billowing from the building on Beckenham High Street, south London
Around ten fire engines rushed to the scene of the blaze as around 70 firefighters battled to put out the flames
Bird’s-eye view of the building after it was engulfed by a fire this morning
Motorists have been advised to find alternative routes while road closures remain in place in the area.
Crews are remaining in the area to ensure the flames have been fully extinguished, while the cause of the blaze has not yet been established.
The historic building first opened its doors as the Regal Cinema in 1930, which also featured a fully equipped stage, a ballroom, a restaurant on the ground floor and a Wurlitzer theatre organ.
After various incarnations over the decades, Odeon Cinemas Group took control of the cinema in 2000, opening a year later after refurbishment and conversion of the ballroom into one of the building’s six screens.
