Major Fire Incidents Hit Peckham: Rail Station Blaze and Dramatic House Rescue
Recent Fire Emergencies Grip South London Community
Peckham has experienced multiple serious fire incidents in recent days, highlighting the critical importance of emergency response services and fire safety awareness in densely populated urban areas. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters were called to a train track fire between Queen’s Road Peckham and South Bermondsey railway stations, whilst a separate residential fire required a dramatic rescue operation.
Train Station Fire Causes Major Disruption
Fire crews tackled a fire on train tracks above arches, and passengers were evacuated from Queen’s Road Peckham Railway station. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 13, created a highly visible spectacle as flames and thick smoke filled the night sky. The Brigade’s 999 Control officers received the first of 90 calls at 2049 alerting them to the fire.
Trains were stopped in both directions and the power on the tracks was isolated to allow fire crews to gain access to the track. The blaze caused significant disruption to London Overground and Southern rail services, affecting commuters during the evening rush hour. There were no reports of any injuries, thanks to the swift evacuation procedures and emergency response.
Dramatic House Fire Rescue Operation
Just days earlier, on January 11, emergency services responded to another serious incident in the area. Firefighters rescued a woman from a house fire on Sturdy Road in Peckham, where half of the ground floor of a two-storey terraced house was damaged by fire. One woman was rescued from a first-floor window by firefighters via a nine-metre ladder and was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.
The fire is being treated as accidental, caused by an open fire spreading to floorboards, underscoring the importance of proper fire safety measures in homes with traditional heating sources.
Fire Safety Implications for Residents
These incidents serve as stark reminders of fire risks in urban environments and the vital role of London Fire Brigade. The coordinated emergency response in both cases prevented more serious casualties and minimised property damage. Authorities are urging residents to ensure proper fire safety measures are in place, particularly when using open fires, and to remain vigilant about potential fire hazards. The swift resolution of the train station fire allowed services to resume the following morning, demonstrating the effectiveness of emergency protocols in managing critical infrastructure incidents.