Forty firemen battle wildfire in south London as a house explodes

Following the collapse of a terraced home during a fire and explosion near Croydon, dozens of firemen are battling the flames.

Around 40 firemen and six fire engines are onsite at the Thornton Heath area on Galpin’s Road.

According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), it remains unknown what caused the fire and explosion.

One person was rescued from a nearby building while damage was done to other houses.

LFB reported receiving 13 reports about the situation since 7:08 am and is requesting that people stay away from the area as firefighters battle the flames. The explosion was heard by adjacent residents this morning, and one said on Facebook that it “frightened the life out of me.” I’m just across from Galpin’s, where the helicopter is hovering and sirens can be heard, according to The Mirror.

I heard it as I was getting ready for work and thought it sounded like an explosion, but I was hoping I was incorrect and that it was at a construction site or something, one user added.

One more person commented: “That was one loud blast, thought a bomb had gone off.”

There has been a significant fire explosion event on Galpins Road, Thornton Heath in the Pollards Hill area, local councillor Martin Whelton tweeted.

There are emergency personnel on the site. I hope everyone is well, but there is not much information at this time.

Six fire engines and around 40 firemen were sent to a fire and explosion on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath, according to a London Fire Brigade spokeswoman.

‘After an explosion, a terraced home has fallen.

Thirteen calls to the incident have been answered by the Brigade’s 999 Control Officers.

‘At 07:08, the Brigade was summoned. Firefighters from the nearby fire stations in Norbury, Mitcham, West Norwood, and Woodside were on the scene.

“At this moment, the origin of the fire and explosion remains unknown.”

The presence of police has been verified by the Metropolitan Police. Officers are on the scene at Galpin’s Road as part of the emergency services response to this incident, according to a tweet. For updates, please follow @LondonFire.

It was announced that London Ambulance Service is also responding to the event.