25 people evacuated from church after fire ripped through two floors

Around 25 people were evacuated from a church after a fire ripped through two floors of the three-storey building yesterday afternoon.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Peckham, Old Kent Road, Brixton and Dockhead fire stations attended the blaze at a church in East Surrey Grove, Peckham.

The ground floor and lower ground floor of the church were damaged by the blaze, the London fire brigade (LFB) said.

Around 25 people managed to escape the building before the LFB arrived. Firefighters rescued seven other people from the lower ground floor.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by an electrical event. 

A LFB spokeswoman said: “Overloaded sockets are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Some electrical appliances use more power than others, so be mindful not to overload extension leads and always check that you’re using the right fuse for the plug.

“Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves, shouldn’t be on the same extension. It’s also important to fully unwind drum extension leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.”

The LFB was called at around 3pm and the fire was under control by around 4.30pm. 

Pictured top: The in East Surrey Grove, Peckham (Picture: LFB)