A major fire has ripped through a block of flats in Mitcham, leaving dozens of residents displaced and prompting a large emergency response in south London. Firefighters were called to Belgrave Walk, where flames spread across the residential building and sent thick smoke into the air on Saturday.
The London Fire Brigade said around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were sent to the scene, underscoring the scale of the blaze. Crews worked through the afternoon to bring the fire under control, while nearby roads were affected and residents were urged to stay away from the area.
The building is understood to have suffered significant damage, with reports that the fire spread across multiple floors. Local authorities were also at the scene supporting emergency services and helping assess the impact on residents.
Dozens of people have been left without homes as a result of the blaze, though there were no immediate reports of serious injuries in the initial coverage. The response involved a major effort from firefighters and council staff, who stayed on site as the incident developed.
Belgrave Walk is a residential part of Mitcham, and the fire is likely to raise concerns among local people about fire safety in converted flats and older housing blocks. The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed, and investigators are expected to examine the scene once it is safe to do so.
Residents affected by the fire are expected to be offered support while arrangements are made for temporary accommodation and next steps. The incident is one of the most significant fires reported in south London in recent weeks, given both the size of the emergency response and the number of people displaced.
