Orpington fire: Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters rush to set fire to a large house

A massive house fire in Orpington, south London, is being tackled by ten fire engines and around 70 crew members, with nearby roads closed and residents warned to keep windows and doors closed

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are battling a massive house fire in south London, with large flames rising into the sky.

Emergency services were called just after 2am this morning and are continuing to battle the fire at a residential building in Chelsfield Hill, Orpington.

The roof of the property was on fire and 70 firefighters used long hoses from 10 fire engines to fight it, he reported MyLondon.

Residents are being asked to keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke.

London Fire Brigade tweeted: “Crews are working hard to tackle a fire on the roof of a house in #Orpington. The fire is generating a lot of smoke and nearby residents are being advised to keep windows and doors closed.”

The brigade shared a dramatic image of the fire on Twitter in the early hours of the morning, with firefighters dousing flames from the roof of the house.

Crews from Orpington, Biggin Hill, Bromley and the surrounding stations are on site.

The cause of fire is not discovered yet.

The London Fire Brigade previously said: “10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters are at the scene of the fire in Chelsfield Hill #Orpington. The roof of a family home is on fire.”

Station Commander Clive Robinson, who is on site, said: “Crews are working extremely hard to bring this large fire under control and are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

“The fire is generating a lot of smoke and people in the vicinity should keep their windows and doors closed.”

A statement released at 2.17am by the London Fire Brigade said: “The A21 is currently closed between Rushmore Hill and Hewitts Roundabout. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

“The brigade was called at 0217. Fire crews from Orpington, Biggin Hill, Bromley and surrounding stations are on site.”

And the fire service repeated the same road closures at 6am and that motorists should continue to avoid the area.

It said “crew are making steady progress tackling a rooftop fire in #Orpington”.