An investigation has been launched into a large fire that rocked a busy stretch of Peckham on June 25, 2026. Flames broke out on Rye Lane shortly before 9pm, with more than 40 concerned witnesses dialing 999. Around 100 firefighters and numerous police officers scrambled to the scene, sealing off the area and urging crowds to disperse.
Fire engulfs Khan's Bargains department store
It is understood that the roof of Khan's Bargains, a grocery store and staple of Peckham since 2000, was alight. Crews extinguished the blaze over several hours as dark clouds of smoke billowed into the sky above Southwark. London Fire Brigade (LFB) urged residents to keep their windows and doors shut as they brought the scene under control.
Fire declared under control
The fire was declared under control at 11:50pm, with a smaller number of firefighters working overnight to dampen down remaining hotspots. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is now being investigated by LFB.
Station Commander Craig Abbott, who attended the scene, said: "Firefighters have worked hard and the fire in Peckham is now under control. At the height of the fire, a department store was alight. Crews will remain on scene until the morning to fully extinguish the fire and dampen down remaining hotspots. A significant amount of smoke was produced by the fire and local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed at this time. Traffic in the area is also likely to remain impacted, so members of the public are advised to continue to avoid the area if they can."
Impact on the community
The fire caused significant disruption, with police sealing off a large section of Rye Lane and nearby homes affected by smoke. It is currently unclear if anyone has been injured. LFB continues to investigate the incident.
