Intense Fire Breaks Out at Southeast London Nursery
A significant fire erupted at Rushey Green Nursery in Catford, Lewisham, prompting a rapid response from emergency services on Saturday evening. The blaze quickly spread, consuming nearly half of the three-story building’s roof and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Emergency crews arrived shortly after the first reports at around 6:40 p.m., deploying eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters to contain the flames. Videos shared online captured the dramatic scene, with the roof fully ablaze and locals observing from a safe distance.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Firefighters from stations in Bromley, East Greenwich, Peckham, and nearby areas mobilized to the incident. They successfully brought the fire under control by 9:25 p.m., though crews remained on site for several hours to ensure safety.
Authorities advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed to avoid exposure to the heavy smoke. No injuries were reported in connection with the event. Road closures were implemented around Rushey Green, leading to traffic disruptions, and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area.
Investigation Underway into Fire’s Cause
The origin of the fire remains unknown, and an official investigation is now in progress to determine what sparked the blaze. The nursery, which serves children aged three months to five years, has been a longstanding fixture in the community.
Local reactions highlighted the shock of the incident. One eyewitness noted, ‘Very bad fire, I was trying to get through and could smell the smoke in my car.’ Another expressed sorrow, saying, ‘So sad to see, it was one well loved and established nursery.’ A third observer added, ‘Roof well alight. Lots of emergency services there and tons of smoke. Keep those windows closed.’
Rushey Green Councillor James J. Walsh shared footage of the fire online, stating, ‘There is an active fire incident on Rushey Green at The Rushey Green Nursery. Please amend your journeys and expect delays.’
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed the details, explaining that crews tackled the fire at the three-story nursery where nearly half of the roof was destroyed. The brigade’s control office received 17 calls about the incident, underscoring the scale of the response.
