UPDATED A large fire broke out on Chelverton Road in Putney this afternoon, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting a rapid response from the London Fire Brigade.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the scene at 3:03pm, after the Brigade’s 999 control officers received the first of 14 emergency calls reporting the blaze.
Most of the ground floor, first floor, second floor and roof of a three-storey mid-terraced house was destroyed by the fire. One man, who had left the property before firefighters arrived, was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
The fire, which engulfed the property near the junction with Charlwood Road, forced the closure of Chelverton Road eastbound to Putney High Street, causing disruption in the area for several hours.
Crews from Chelsea, Richmond, Kensington, Tooting, Wandsworth and Soho fire stations battled the flames and eventually brought the fire under control by 6:44pm, according to an update from the London Fire Brigade.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “devastating but deeply moving” as neighbours rushed to help. Flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the property at 74 Chelverton. One nearby resident said the home was “gutted and still smoking” by the time the fire was brought under control.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Neighbours confirmed the occupants of the affected house were safely evacuated and are being looked after by others on the street. “They are with other neighbours with lots of offers of support,” one message on a local WhatsApp group read. “The fire brigade are doing a brilliant job.”
Another message praised the community’s fast action: “Incredibly sad and happened so quickly, well done to those around who responded quickly and supported.”
The London Fire Brigade issued a statement on social media at 3:26pm confirming the incident and asking the public to avoid the area. By early evening, as drizzle began to fall, the fire was entirely out; a council worker was sweeping up broken glass at the front and exhausted firefighters were relaxing by their truck. The road was still closed to traffic at 9pm.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and an investigation is expected once the site is deemed safe.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
