A fire has erupted at the former BBC Television Centre in London’s White City.
Over 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines are battling the blaze, with smoke visible from the exterior of the building.
Pictures from the scene show crews at the Helios Building at the BBC’s former headquarters, which has since been turned into flats and a restaurant.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said on X: “Crews continue to work at the scene of a fire in White City.
“We’re asking people to avoid the area as this incident will remain ongoing for some time.
“The fire is currently affecting floors towards the top of the building.
“A restaurant, external decking and ducting is currently alight.
“An unknown number of flats have also potentially been affected by the fire.”
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Smoke can be seen rising out of the building
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Nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precaution.
A rest centre has been set up for those who have been forced to leave their homes.
According to the building’s website, it accommodates 162 homes, a 47-bedroom hotel and a gym.
Wood Lane has been closed to traffic, and people have been told to avoid the area.
The LFB said the first reports of the fire were received just after 3am this morning.
Crews from Hammersmith, North Kensington, Kensington, Chiswick and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene.
Two 32-metre turntable ladders have been deployed as water towers try to extinguish the fire from above.
The LFB’s drone team is also in attendance to provide greater situation awareness.
Firefighters have erected two 32-metre turntables to battle the flames
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The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
In an update at 8:20am, the LFB said: “Firefighters continue to work to extinguish the fire affecting a mixed-use building in White City.
“We are expected to remain on scene throughout the day.”
The LFB had to deal with 2,387 outdoor fires between May 1 and September 30, 2024.
