A fire in a Kingston office building closed two roads near the Bentall Centre and forced the evacuation of hundreds of workers.
Eight fire engines and more than 40 fire fighters from the London Fire Brigade spent almost two hours tackling the flames, which were first spotted at around 1pm in an office block above costume shop Partica. Around 150 residents and workers on Fife Road and Castle Road were evacuated due to large quantities of smoke in the area.
Many Kingstonians took to Twitter to share their observations. James Carson said: “Massive fire in Kingston! Smoke all down the street!”
Dale Boltaev added: “The fire in Kingston is too close to Natterjacks for my liking.”
Officials at the scene said that no one had been injured in the blaze, but were unable to comment further. A statement has now been issued by London Fire Brigade’s Group Manager, Darren Munro.
Mr Munro said: “Fire crews arrived at the scene quickly and worked hard to bring the fire under control.”
“The roof was very badly damaged in the fire, but fire fighters prevented it from spreading to the adjoining buildings.”
The fire is now under control.
