‘Challenging conditions’: more than 100 firefighters attended the emergency scene in Mitcham yesterday

The cause of a fire on Belgrave Walk, Mitcham, yesterday which has forced 35 people out of their homes, is “under investigation”, according to the London Fire Brigade.

Around 125 firefighters and 25 fire engines were called out to the fire in a flat, under what the Brigade described as “challenging conditions”.

According to the LFB: “A row of townhouses converted into flats were involved in the fire. The fire spread across all three floors and into the roof spaces of the buildings.”

The LFB reported that there were no reported injuries “currently”, but also said that they were carrying out “a systematic search of all the affected buildings”.

The fire was under control just before 6pm yesterday evening, but firefighters remained on the scene overnight, damping down any “hot spots”, where there might be a risk of the fire re-igniting.

Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: “Firefighters worked tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control during what has been a very hot day.

“Around 35 residents have been displaced, and a rest centre has been established at a local church. Our community engagement team is at the scene, working closely with partner agencies to support those affected by the incident.”

The Brigade took the first of more than 60 calls at 3.10pm. Control Officers mobilised crews from Sutton, Wallington, Wandsworth and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 5.52pm.

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