Lewisham fire: Witness describes resident jump from second-floor flat as blaze takes hold

Dozens of firefighters tackled a large blaze at a flat in southeast London this morning.

Residents across Lewisham expressed concern on social media at the fire, which started late on Tuesday night at the five-room maisonette in the London borough. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight, after the control centre received 14 calls in relation to the blaze. People were told to avoid the area.

A neighbour told The Mirror this morning she saw a resident jump from the second-floor apartment to the communal garden when the flames took hold. She said: "I saw relatives asking police if their family members had been found. One person jumped from the second floor into the communal garden area when everything caught fire.

"We first heard people running and screaming around midnight, and then there was a series of loud noises that sounded like gunshots, followed by glass shattering. It seems those were the noises of the fire damage. Firefighters and police arrived quickly."

Someone in the area posted on X: "Big fire in block of Flats in Lewisham, hope they get out ok." Another shared: "Huge fire up Modern hill road Lewisham ambulances and fire engines everywhere."

It is, at this stage, unclear if anyone is injured and, if so, what the nature of any injury is. London Fire Brigade says the cause of the fire is also unclear at the moment.

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Ten fire engines, including from Greenwhich and Lee, dashed to the scene. It is believed police officers and paramedics are present, though the Mirror is working to establish more details.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said this morning: "Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are tackling a fire at a block of maisonettes on Lewisham Road, Lewisham. A small part of a five roomed maisonette is alight. Lewisham Road is currently closed between Penrose Way and Lewisham Hill

"Control Officers took the first of 14 calls at 2355 and mobilised crews to the scene from Greenwich, Lewisham, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations. The cause of the fire is not yet known." The service added on X: "Please avoid the area while the incident is ongoing."

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It follows a fire in Harrow in the northwest of the capital last week, which reportedly saw gas cylinders explode. This emergency led to severe delays on the London Underground's Piccadilly Line because the blaze happened near arches which take the line over the Harrow and Rayners Lane area.

The fire occurred at a range of four railway arches, housing businesses including vehicle workshops. The units have been severely damaged by fire.