Firefighters tackled a massive blaze that broke out at a business within a five-storey premises at the popular London retail location Oxford Street.
The incident that was first reported on March 8 at 9:38 pm, saw a total of 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters assemble at the corner where Gilbert Street meets Oxford Street in Mayfair. By 2:14 am, the blaze was brought under control and no one was injured in the fire. However, members of the fire brigade stayed on site through the night and on until morning.
The fire started in a souvenir shop based on the ground floor, first identified by signs of thick smoke coming from inside the building. To remain compliant with UK legislation and to protect both property and personnel, all businesses should conduct a fire risk assessment. If found necessary, alarms and smoke detectors must be installed to identify threats from fire. Companies booking a fire alarm fitter in Chester, London or other UK cities should only use a certified electrical contractor to carry out the work.
The firefighters present on the scene represented members of crews from all over London including Chelsea, Euston, Kensington, Kentish Town, Soho and Lambeth. While the ground floor of the five-floor building was used as a retail outlet the upper levels contained apartments.
Police completely cordoned off the area to safeguard members of the public, who gathered near the scene. The authorities advised all to find alternative routes to their destinations as Oxford Street was closed between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.