Odeon cinema saved from fire at nearby building
The fire near the Odeon in Beckenham broke out just before 08:00 BST
- Published
An Odeon cinema in south-east London has been saved from fire after flames ripped through a nearby building, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said.
Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were sent to Beckenham High Street after the blaze broke out just before 08:00 BST. LFB said the fire was now under control.
Station Commander Tony Perks, who was at the scene, said the roof of the mixed-use building had been "largely destroyed", but he added: "We did stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, including the cinema."
Drivers have been advised to avoid the area, with traffic congestion expected to continue as roads remain blocked by fire engines.
Mr Perks confirmed that there were no reported injuries.
A 32m (105ft) ladder was used as a water tower to extinguish the fire
The LFB said the affected building was being refurbished.
There was a large smoke plume in the early stages of the fire visible from many miles away, which the brigade said had now subsided.
A 32m (105ft) turntable ladder was used as a water tower to help tackle the fire from above.
The LFB said a number of fire appliances would remain in the area to damp down the fire and ensure it has been fully extinguished.
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