Massive London Poundland Fire Engulfs High Street

Published: 09 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A huge fire tore through a Poundland store on Penge High Street in south-east London early Thursday morning, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses as around 100 firefighters worked to control the blaze. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the initial call at 4.30 am and discovered a two-storey terrace building engulfed in flames. The ground floor, which housed the discount retail outlet, was severely affected, with thick black smoke billowing across the street and visible from several miles away.

Fire crews responded swiftly, deploying fifteen fire engines and using specialised equipment, including a 32-metre turntable ladder, to douse the flames from above. Aerial footage captured firefighters directing powerful water streams onto the roof and upper levels of the property while drones from the Brigade’s technical team provided the incident commander with a comprehensive overview of the fire. The scale of the operation resulted in the closure of Penge High Street, with authorities urging motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area as emergency services tackled the inferno.

Residents living close to the scene were advised to keep doors and windows shut due to smoke inhalation risks, while several neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution. Local businesses along the high street remained closed while crews focused on containing the blaze and preventing its spread to adjacent buildings. Early reports suggest that the fire had rapidly consumed the store’s interior before firefighters could bring it under control, highlighting the intensity and speed at which the fire developed in the pre-dawn hours.

An official statement from the London Fire Brigade confirmed: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on High Street in Penge. Firefighters are tackling a fire in a two-storey terraced shop where a large part of the ground floor is alight. Crews are using a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above, and the Brigade’s drone team is providing the Incident Commander with greater situational awareness of the fire. Neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution, and residents in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke. There is significant traffic disruption due to the number of appliances, and the High Street is closed. People are advised to avoid the area.”

The LFB confirmed that crews from several fire stations, including Beckenham, Forest Hill, Woodside, and West Norwood, were mobilised to the scene. The operation represents one of the largest deployments in the borough this year, reflecting both the scale of the fire and the risk it posed to surrounding properties. Firefighters worked through the morning to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring shops and homes, using both traditional hose lines and high-reach equipment to tackle flames from multiple angles.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as smoke filled the streets and flames leapt across the roofline. Local resident Sarah Thompson said: “I woke up to the smell of smoke and saw huge flames coming from the Poundland store. Firefighters were everywhere, and we were told to leave our homes immediately. It was frightening, and the smoke made it hard to breathe.” Another neighbour, Peter Collins, added that he had seen a “wall of black smoke” rising over the high street, prompting him to alert friends and family to stay indoors.

Authorities have also highlighted the challenges posed by the early-morning timing of the fire. With residents and shopkeepers largely asleep, the potential for injuries was significant, but rapid evacuation efforts ensured that there were no immediate reports of casualties. London Ambulance Service confirmed that teams were on standby to treat anyone affected by smoke inhalation or other minor injuries but reported that no serious injuries had been recorded at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Early speculation suggests that it may have originated from electrical faults or flammable materials inside the store, though fire investigators are conducting a detailed assessment to determine the precise origins. Police have also been involved in managing road closures and assisting with evacuations, with officers coordinating closely with the fire brigade to maintain public safety and prevent traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.

Businesses along Penge High Street expressed concern over the disruption caused by the blaze. Many retailers reported that they had been forced to close for the day, potentially affecting both staff and customers. Local council officials have promised support for affected businesses, including guidance on insurance claims and advice on safely reopening once the fire is fully extinguished.

The fire has prompted discussions about fire safety standards in high street buildings, particularly older terraced properties that may lack modern sprinkler systems or fire-resistant construction. Experts emphasise the importance of regular inspections, updated safety measures, and staff training to ensure rapid response in emergencies.

As firefighters continued to bring the fire under control, the London Fire Brigade praised the professionalism and bravery of the crews involved, highlighting the risks undertaken to protect lives and property. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards faced by frontline responders and the importance of community awareness and preparedness in emergency situations.

Residents are advised to stay updated via local news outlets and official emergency services channels regarding road closures and air quality advisories. The high street is expected to remain closed for the remainder of the day as fire crews complete damping down operations and ensure the building is safe for further investigation.

The London Fire Brigade has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the local community and stressed that all available resources were being deployed to manage the incident. Authorities continue to work closely with emergency services, council representatives, and local residents to mitigate disruption and ensure that the area is restored to normalcy as quickly as possible.

The blaze at Poundland underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in fire prevention and highlights the dedication of emergency services personnel in responding to high-risk incidents. Investigators and fire safety officials will continue to assess the site in the coming days to establish the exact cause and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.