Flames Engulf Thornton Heath Flats: 70 Firefighters Battle Blaze

A massive blaze has ripped through a converted house in Thornton Heath, Croydon, with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters battling the inferno through the night.

The Lenham Road Fire Erupts in Thornton Heath

Part of the ground and first floors, along with the entire roof of a mid-terraced house converted into flats, were alight. The fire also spread to a neighbouring property, with part of its ground floor catching fire.

Station Commander Alec McNally, who was at the scene, stated: “Crews are working hard to bring the fire under control as quickly and safely as possible.” He added, “The blaze is producing a significant amount of smoke.”

Commander McNally urged: “We appreciate it is a warm night, but we are urging nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed while crews work to bring the incident under control.”

The London Fire Brigade's Control Officers received the first of eight calls at 02:18. Crews were dispatched from West Norwood, Norbury, Woodside, Beckenham, Forest Hill, Croydon, Tooting, and surrounding fire stations. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Croydon Safety and Fire Statistics

Recent crime statistics for the London Borough of Croydon show a concerning trend in residential fires. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates a 10% increase in residential fires across the borough in the past year.

The London Fire Brigade offers extensive safety advice for residents. Key recommendations include ensuring smoke alarms are tested regularly and that escape routes are kept clear. For further information on fire safety, residents can visit the London Fire Brigade website.

In cases of emergencies, always dial 999. For non-urgent fire safety queries, residents can contact the London Fire Brigade's non-emergency line.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on an official press release issued by LFB

Document: Flat fire - Thornton Heath

Source Link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2026/may/flat-fire-thornton-heath/