Travel chaos has erupted after a massive blaze broke out near a London train station with dozens of firefighters battling the inferno.
The fire in the Forest Hill area of south London began at around 6.30pm on Thursday evening, just metres from the borough’s railway platforms.
It is ‘affecting’ a ground floor shop on Perry Vale which has flats above it, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB). The cause is currently unknown.
Around 100 firefighters and some 15 fire engines from the capital’s fire service are attempting to put out the blaze.
Shocking pictures show enormous orange flames and huge billowing clouds of black smoke, with fire appliances parked on residential streets.
And it is understood the inferno has seen Forest Hill station temporarily closed, causing massive disruption to rail passengers.
In particular, London Overground trains too Crystal Palace and West Croydon have been unable to call at Forest Hill station as of around 8pm, according to Network Rail.
Drivers have been affected too, with ‘significant traffic disruption’ throughout the borough, including on the busy A205 South Circular Road.
The fire (pictured) in the Forest Hill area of south London began at around 6.30pm on Thursday evening, just metres from the borough’s railway station
Shocking pictures show enormous orange flames and huge billowing clouds of black smoke
Around 100 firefighters and some 15 fire engines (pictured) from the London Fire Brigade are attempting to put out the blaze
Residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed amid the smoke.
A 25-metre cordon is in place and it is recommended the public avoid the area.
The first of a huge 49 calls came in to emergency services at 6.27pm.
Crews from Forest Hill but also nearby boroughs Lewisham, Beckenham and West Norwood, along with others, were immediately dispatched.
They came with a 32-metre turntable ladder, which is being used as a water tower to put out the fire from above.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Perry Vale in Forest Hill.
‘The fire is affecting a ground floor shop, which has flats situated above.
‘People in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke travel.
‘A 25-metre cordon is currently in place and the public are advised to avoid the area at this time.
‘Significant traffic disruption can be expected in the Forest Hill area, including in the A205 South Circular Road. Rail services via Forest Hill station are also being affected as a result of this fire.
‘The Brigade received the first of 49 calls at 1827 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
‘A 32-metre turntable ladder is also in attendance and is being used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above.
‘The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.’
An update from Network Rail issued at around 8pm reads: ‘London Overground trains running towards Crystal Palace / West Croydon are unable to call at Forest Hill due to a fire on a property near the railway.’
This is a breaking story – more updates to follow.
