A fire at a London luxury hotel prompted an evacuation of 100 people. Authorities are investigating the incident.
The fire happened on Chiltern Street, Marylebone. It took many firefighters to put it out; about twenty fire engines showed up and around 125 firefighters worked hard to control it. The crews first got the call at 2:52 PM, and they’re still investigating the fire’s cause now.
Videos online showed huge flames on the building, as firefighters used a crane to spray water. Thick smoke poured out of the roof. A firefighter said the hotel needs major work and will need a large refurbishment after this.
The owner said no one was hurt, adding that guests and staff got out safely. He thanked the firefighters’ quick response. Apparently, one firefighter worked there before The building used to be a fire station. The owner closed the Firehouse until further notice.
A witness described the fire as “crazy.” He saw smoke while leaving work, then he saw fire engines with hoses and a crane. His coat even smells like smoke now, and he noticed embers through the smoke, and was shocked by the size of the fire.
Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading. They worked in a complex, old building and contained it to the one property. Crews will stay to put out any hotspots. The fire started in ducting and spread from the ground to the roof and floors.
The Chiltern Firehouse is Grade II-listed, and celebrities often visit there. Kylie Minogue had her 50th birthday there in 2018. The building was a fire station back in 1889, with red bricks and stone, plus a tiled roof.