A significant fire has erupted near a well-known cinema in Beckenham, South East London, with emergency services actively working to extinguish the flames. Smoke can be seen billowing close to the Odeon cinema, prompting the response of ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to the building fire on High Street. The London Fire Brigade has advised residents in the vicinity to keep their windows and doors closed due to the substantial smoke production.

London Fire Brigade Station Commander Tony Perks reported that there was minimal damage to the Odeon cinema. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to prevent it from spreading extensively to neighboring structures. Despite causing major traffic disruptions in Beckenham, the incident is now under control, and there have been no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as emergency crews continue to work on fully extinguishing the remaining flames. The firefighting efforts involve utilizing a 32-meter turntable ladder to tackle the blaze that affected a mixed-use building undergoing refurbishment. The situation has led to significant smoke visible across London, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the affected area.

Furthermore, the fire’s impact has resulted in road closures and traffic congestion in the vicinity, necessitating the avoidance of travel through the affected area. Councilor Chloe-Jane Ross commended the firefighters for their swift response and expressed hope for the safety of all individuals involved. The ongoing firefighting operations aim to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the surrounding buildings and residents.