Overview
- London Fire Brigade dispatched ten engines, about 70 firefighters and a 32-metre turntable ladder after receiving 18 calls at 7:59am.
- The fire involved a mixed-use building at 292–294 High Street next to the Odeon, which crews said they were protecting from spread.
- Authorities urged people to avoid the area, keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke, and expect road closures and traffic disruption.
- The building was reported to be under refurbishment, and local traders say they had raised fire safety concerns previously, which officials have not linked to this incident.
- Some outlets pointed to a disused kebab shop at the site as a possible source, a detail not confirmed by investigators.