Shocking pictures have revealed the aftermath of a devastating ski shop fire which saw smoke billowing across the London sky.
The London Fire Brigade said it received nearly 50 calls at around 6.30pm on Thursday after a blaze broke out at Finches Emporium near Forest Hill Station in Lewisham.
Fifteen fire engines and 100 firefighters spent three hours tackling the inferno at the Perry Vale property — which also included flats above and a rear workshop.
One man was injured in the incident, but thankfully did not require hospital treatment, the LFB said in a statement.
The force added that two people and one dog escaped the building before crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations were deployed.
A 32 meter (104-ft) turntable ladder was used as a water tower to extinguish the fire from above, with the majority of residents able to return home overnight.
Photographs released by the LFB on Friday show the extent of the devastation, with the front of the property destroyed and roofing strewn across the ground.
In an update, the LFB said the cause of the fire is being treated as accidental and believed to have originated in a storage area.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jamie Jenkins, the Incident Commander, said: “Whilst the fire was ongoing, we advised people in the local area to keep their windows and doors closed due the smoke travel from the incident.
“This smoke travel also resulted in the temporary closure of Forest Hill Station.” The fire was brought under control by 11.44pm.
Forest Hill Station Commander, Mike Watts, added: “The Brigade has worked closely with the local authority to support those affected by this fire.
“We will continue to have a visible presence in the area and will be liaising with local residents and businesses, sharing fire safety advice with them.”
