On 16 March 2025, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) mobilised multiple resources in response to a significant blaze at a disused building in Kingston, south London
The fire broke out at a former cinema and bingo hall on Richmond Road, with the brigade receiving the first of 34 calls regarding the fire at around 2.30pm. Crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham, Richmond, and surrounding fire stations attended the incident.
At the height of the fire, more than 150 firefighters and 25 fire appliances were present, with LFB sharing that it had increased its number of resources to help crews “tackle the blaze effectively”.
Two 32-metre turntable ladders were used as observation towers to provide incident commanders with an aerial view of the fire and “to enhance situational awareness and support tactical decisions”.
Station commander Will Thompson said: "On arrival, crews were faced with a developing fire within the building with smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.”
As reported by MyLondon, most of the building was affected by the blaze. LFB later confirmed that part of the first, second, third, and fourth floors of the building, along with the roof, were damaged by fire.
Thompson added: "Road closures were in place into the evening, and we urged people to avoid the area to minimise disruption.
"The fire produced thick smoke, so we advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.”
The blaze was finally brought under control by 6.30pm, with the brigade adding that crews would remain at the scene into the evening to damp down.
Whilst no injuries were reported, the London Ambulance Service shared that an incident response officer was at the scene to support crews.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by LFB and the Metropolitan Police Service.
(Photograph by the London Fire Brigade)