Penge fire: More than 100 firefighters respond as blaze breaks out at Poundland

More than 100 firefighters with 15 fire engines battled a huge blaze at a Poundlandin London this morning. Fire crews were called to the shop on High Street in Penge at 4:30am with "a large part of the ground floor" on fire.

Neighbouring properties were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze at the two-storey terraced shop using a water tower to tackle the flames from above. Members of the public were told to avoid the area while the fire is contained.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire was under control as of 8:48am. High Street remains closed, however, and disruption is expected for much of the day.

In a statement the London Fire Brigade said: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire on High Street, Penge. Firefighters tackled a fire located in a two storey terraced shop, where a large part of the ground floor was alight.

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"Crews used a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above, and the Brigade's drone team was deployed to provide the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire. Neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution and residents in the area were 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 Brigade's Control Officers took the first of ten calls reporting the fire at 0430.

"Crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill, Woodside, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene, and firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 0848. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade's fire investigators."

Pictures taken from the scene show the huge flames ripping through the building in the early hours of the morning, with fire crews trying desperately to contain the fire. More recent images show the gutted remains of the Poundland store, with the flames visibly now under control. Black smoke could be seen rising from the building and members of the public were advised to "avoid the area where possible".

A number of people have taken to social media to describe the blaze. "Huge fire in Penge High Street this morning," one person said, also posting a picture of firefighters up a 32-metre turntable ladder as they extinguish the flames from above.

Another said: "Sunrise in Merton this morning. With the smoke from the 15 pump fire in Penge clearly visible on the horizon." A third said: "Thinking of everyone affected by the fire on Penge High Street — thank you to the firefighters working tirelessly to keep people safe. 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackling the blaze. Nearby buildings evacuated, people urged to keep windows shut."

A spokesperson for Poundland told Mirror Online: "We were made aware of the fire in the early hours of this morning and are obviously concerned at what’s happened. We’re sincerely grateful for the prompt attendance of the fire service and we’re on site alongside them, to help them in any way we can. We’ll provide additional updates when we’re able to do so."