A major fire has caused extensive damage to a historic church in west London, with dramatic images showing flames completely engulfing the roof and upper floors. The blaze at King's Hall Methodist Church in Southall broke out late on Sunday evening, prompting a massive emergency response from the London Fire Brigade.
Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
Approximately 70 firefighters rushed to the scene on South Road after the fire was reported at 9:30 PM on February 22. Ten fire engines were deployed to tackle the intense flames that had spread through most of the ground floor, second floor, and the entire roof structure. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that two of their 32-meter turntable ladders were used to combat the fire from above, providing crucial aerial support to ground crews.
Road Closures and Safety Warnings
South Road has been closed in both directions between Park Road and High Street as emergency services continue their operations. Fire officials have issued strong warnings to the public, advising people to avoid the area entirely while the incident remains active. Local residents have been specifically instructed to keep their windows and doors closed due to significant smoke travel throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
The London Fire Brigade spokesperson stated: "The Brigade is advising the public to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke travel in the area."
Fire Brought Under Control
Despite the severity of the blaze, which completely consumed the church's roof and much of its interior structure, firefighters have successfully brought the situation under control. Crews from multiple stations including Southall, Ealing, Heston, and surrounding areas were mobilized to combat the flames through coordinated efforts.
Investigation Into Cause
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, with investigations expected to begin once the site has been fully secured and made safe. The extent of damage to the church building is substantial, though no injuries have been reported among firefighters or members of the public.
The incident has drawn significant attention in the Southall community, with local residents expressing concern about the fate of the historic church building that has served as a community landmark for generations. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to fully extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the damaged structure.
