A blazing fire has broken out at the iconic Battersea Arts Centre as up to 80 firefighters and 12 fire engines are currently at the scene tackling the inferno.
Lot of smoke coming from #Battersea art centre fire. Please close doors & windows if you’re near pic @GlutenFreeMrsD pic.twitter.com/rATOBW65lB
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 13, 2015
The fire, located on top of the Grand Hall roof, is being contained as fire crews evacuate the building and tackle the blaze which has reportedly collapsed in part of the structure.
Oh no! The Battersea Arts centre is on fire! pic.twitter.com/6pEm3vs7RV — Paul Foxcroft (@misterspidergod) March 13, 2015
The Battersea Arts Centre confirmed everyone from the building is safe and all performances are cancelled.
They said: “There is a fire in our building. Everyone is out safe and the fire brigade are working hard to get the fire under control. We’ll update you.”
Twitter users report the area as smokey and that the police have begun cordoning off the surrounding areas.
12 fire engines & 80 firefighters now tackling the art centre fire in #Battersea. Pic copyright @kirstymccabe pic.twitter.com/FmDKoe7H25
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 13, 2015
Clapham Junction Station has been evacuated as part of safety precautions.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “We were called at 4.17 to reports of a fire in the roof at an art centre on Lavender Hill.”
Social media users have had an outpouring of sympathy for the Centre which has played a vital role in the community.
One twitter user who lives nearby said: “Its hot even inside home careful everyone please.”
The 120-year-old building is currently undergoing redevelopments and as of yet the cause of the fire is unknown.
Picture courtesy of Martin Addison, with thanks
