Peckham fire: Huge fire rips through department store in south-east London

News | London Peckham fire: Huge blaze rips through department store in south-east London Videos on social media show thick black smoke billowing into the sky as crews tackled the blaze on Rye Lane Around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze in Peckham LFB Megan Howe, News Reporter2 minutes ago COMMENTS Around 100 firefighters have battled a huge blaze which ripped through a department store in Peckham. Fifteen fire engines were called to the blaze on Rye Lane on Thursday evening. Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke billowing into the sky as crews work to tackle the blaze. Other footage shows people gathered in nearby Copeland Park, a popular events venue in the area, filming the blaze with their phones. London Fire Brigade said the fire was at a shop and a storage unit. Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed. It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Station Commander Craig Abbott, who is attending 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 . "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." Two of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders were used as water towers to help fight the fire from above. Control Officers took the first of over 30 calls at 8.54pm MORE ABOUT London Fire Brigade firefighters Rye Lane Peckham Shopping Best Buys How to wear polka dots now: 19 standout pieces to buy for spring 10 easy upgrades to nail walking 15,000 steps a day, every day Best weird and wonderful Easter eggs to buy in 2026 Best Diptyque perfumes for every mood and occasion Best beauty buys under £10 that rival high-end alternatives