What really happened in forest hill? Over 100 firefighters battle massive blaze at London sports shop

A massive fire has broken out at a winter sports shop in Forest Hill, southeast London, sending thick plumes of smoke across the skyline and prompting a major emergency response.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were deployed on Thursday evening to tackle the raging inferno at a property on Perry Vale, near Forest Hill Station. The affected building reportedly houses a sports shop on the ground floor, a workshop behind it, and several flats above.

Witnesses described dramatic scenes as flames engulfed the structure, with firefighters battling the blaze from multiple directions. Video clips shared on social media showed a 32-metre turntable ladder spraying water from above as fire crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings.

Emergency officials have set up a 25-metre safety cordon around the scene, urging residents and bystanders to stay clear of the area. Those living nearby have also been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke drifting through the neighborhood.

According to Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is leading the response efforts, the operation will likely continue throughout the night.

“This will be a protracted incident, with crews working through the night to fully extinguish this fire,” Lewis said in a briefing.

The fire brigade first received reports of the blaze around 6:27 p.m. (BST), with at least 49 emergency calls logged within minutes. Fire stations from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, and West Norwood were quickly mobilized to the scene.

The A205 South Circular Road, one of London’s busiest routes, has been partially closed, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Rail services through Forest Hill Station have also been affected, causing commuter delays across the southeastern network.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigators are expected to assess the site once the flames are fully contained. Early reports suggest the fire may have started in the shop’s rear workshop, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Local residents expressed shock and concern over the scale of the incident. One eyewitness said, “I saw the flames from the next street over — it looked like the whole roof was on fire. The firefighters arrived quickly, but it just kept growing.”

Another resident added that they could feel the heat from the flames even from a distance, calling it “the biggest fire I’ve seen in this area.”

Despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries have been reported so far, according to the LFB. Firefighters are expected to remain at the site for several hours to dampen hotspots and ensure the building is structurally safe.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are reminding Londoners to follow updates from official channels and avoid the affected area to allow emergency workers to operate efficiently.

The London Fire Brigade reiterated that smoke inhalation poses serious health risks, advising residents to avoid unnecessary exposure until the air clears.

For now, what began as an ordinary evening in Forest Hill has turned into a night of intense firefighting — one that has drawn the attention of the entire city

FAQ Section

Q1: Where did the fire happen?
The fire broke out at a winter sports shop on Perry Vale in Forest Hill, southeast London.

Q2: How many firefighters were involved?
Approximately 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines responded to the emergency.

Q3: Were there any casualties?
No injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time.

Q4: What caused the fire?
The cause is still under investigation. Fire officials are expected to conduct a full assessment once the site is secured.

Q5: How has traffic been affected?
The A205 South Circular Road has been partially closed, and train services through Forest Hill Station have been disrupted.