Eight fire engines called to fire in Forest Hill pub
Two pub owners have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out in their premises in Forest Hill.
Asa Holmes, 49, and Monika Luckasova, 42, were taken to Lewisham Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation after escaping from a fire in the Bird in Hand Pub in Dartmouth Road.
Mr Holmes was reportedly pulled out of the burning building by a passerby.
Eight fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles have attended the fire.
Sioux Bloomer, 56, of Sydenham Park Road, saw smoke coming from the pub as she was on her way to the station.
She told the South London Press: “By the time I got to the pub there was smoke coming out of all the windows.”
The owners, who live above the pub, were in the building when the fire started.
Ms Bloomer added: “Monica had got out of the exit door and was shouting that Asa was still up there and a young man of about 30 who is a regular from the pub went in there and pulled him out before the fire brigade turned up.
“They are both on oxygen now and on their way to Lewisham hospital. I’ve been told have both suffered from smoke inhalation but no injuries.”
The road is currently closed to traffic but open for pedestrians.
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Hi I’m the man that went in to the pub .. I’ve never been in that pub in my life … I was on my way to work when I see the fire .. so I pull my car over … there was lots of man and women looking … so I got out of my car and went over to the door … and kicking the door to see if any one was in … and a women come to the door .. she was black from the smoke .. i then had to get in Now .. then a door open up .. so I just run in ..Women told me …there was a man up on the next floor . .so she told me where there door was to go up there .. when I opened up the door … the smoke that com out it .. so now I can’t see .. so I’m calling for this man .. and then I can here him up there .. so I go up .. to see him on the floor .. so I pic him up . The smoke was bad . And the fire was there … .. I’m a grave digger from Brenchley gardens .. Camberwell new .. Camberwell old & nunhead
Thank you so much Joseph you literally was a life saver to my friends. They have been asking who you were and now I will be able to tell them xxx