A substantial and alarming fire erupted at a nursery in southeast London on Saturday evening, prompting a major emergency response from the London Fire Brigade. The blaze, which broke out at Rushey Green Nursery in Catford, Lewisham, required a significant deployment of resources to bring it under control.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
London Fire Brigade confirmed they received the first of multiple emergency calls at approximately 6.40pm. In response, they mobilised eight fire engines and around sixty firefighters from various stations across the capital, including crews from Bromley, East Greenwich, and Peckham. The firefighters worked tirelessly to tackle the intense flames that had taken hold of the three-storey nursery building.
Extent of the Damage and Public Safety Advice
The fire caused severe damage to the structure, with the roof being the primary focus of the inferno. Fire service officials stated that nearly half of the roof was destroyed by the flames. Due to the heavy smoke billowing into the surrounding area, residents were urgently advised to keep their windows and doors securely shut to avoid health hazards. Authorities also implemented road closures in the vicinity, leading to significant traffic congestion, and urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate unimpeded.
Community Reaction and Social Media Response
Videos and images circulated rapidly on social media platforms, showing the dramatic scene with the nursery roof fully engulfed in flames and thick smoke rising into the evening sky. Horrified local residents watched on as the emergency unfolded. One social media user commented on the severity, noting, 'Very bad fire, I was trying to get through and could smell the smoke in my car.' Another expressed sadness, adding, 'So sad to see, it was one well loved and established nursery.' A third observer highlighted the ongoing danger, stating, 'Roof well alight. Lots of emergency services there and tons of smoke. Keep those windows closed.'
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade provided a detailed account, confirming that the fire was brought under control by 9.25pm, though firefighters remained on scene for several hours afterwards to dampen down hotspots and ensure safety. The spokesperson reiterated that no injuries were reported, which was a relief given the scale of the incident. Councillor James J Walsh, representing Rushey Green, also posted a video of the fire earlier in the evening, advising residents to amend their travel plans due to delays and road closures.
According to the nursery's website, Rushey Green Nursery provides essential care for children aged from three months to five years old, making the incident particularly distressing for the local community. An investigation into the cause of the blaze has now been formally launched by the authorities, with the origin currently remaining unknown. The London Fire Brigade's Control Office handled a total of seventeen emergency calls related to the fire, underscoring the concern and immediate impact on the area.
