50 people escape Greenwich hotel fire

Around 50 people were forced to evacuate a hotel in Greenwich after a blaze believed to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the fire at the IBIS hotel in Stockwell Street.

Most of a hotel room on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire.

Around 50 residents and staff left the building before the London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived.

A man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by lithium-ion batteries.

An LFB spokeswoman said: “Batteries can present a fire risk if they’re over-charged, short circuited, submerged in water or damaged, so it’s really important to protect them against being damaged and charge them safely.

“Unplug devices once they have finished charging and always make sure you use the right charger for your device.”

The brigade was called at around 5.30pm and the fire was under control an hour later.

Fire crews from Greenwich, East Greenwich, Deptford and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.

A spokeswoman for the hotel said: “We can confirm that a fire broke out at ibis London Greenwich on the evening of October 27 which was quickly extinguished.  All guests were safely evacuated and there is no significant damage to the building.”

Pictured top: IBIS hotel in Greenwich (Picture: Google Street View)