South London Fire on Belgrave Walk Displaces 35 Residents in Mitcham

A major fire broke out in South London on the afternoon of Saturday, July 25. The London Fire Brigade took the first of more than 60 emergency calls at 3.10pm as flames engulfed all three floors and tore directly into the roof spaces of the buildings along Belgrave Walk in Mitcham.

The intense blaze drew an enormous emergency response. Control Officers mobilised crews from Sutton, Wallington, Wandsworth and surrounding fire stations to the scene, bringing approximately 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines (with some sources mentioning up to 25 fire engines) to battle the fierce conditions during what has been described as a very hot day.

Emergency Operations and Drone Capability on Belgrave Walk

Firefighters faced arduous conditions as they fought to bring the flames under control. Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha stated: Firefighters worked tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control during what has been a very hot day.

Crews carried out a systematic search of all the affected buildings, supported by the Brigade’s drone capability to search areas that were difficult to access. Additionally, one of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was deployed as part of the firefighting operation.

The fire was under control by 5.52pm (or 5.53pm according to some accounts, and just before 6pm according to the LFB). Despite reaching this milestone, emergency personnel maintained a heavy presence at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha noted: Although the fire is now under control, firefighters will remain at the scene this evening tackling hot spots and carrying out damping-down operations to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

“We continue to ask local residents to keep their doors and windows closed while crews remain on scene, as some smoke may still be present. Please also continue to avoid the area.”

Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha, London Fire Brigade

Support for Displaced Residents and Local Impact

Approximately 35 residents were displaced by the disaster after the flames blackened walls and destroyed rooms throughout the residential block. A rest centre was established at a local church, and the Brigade’s community engagement team arrived at the scene to work closely with partner agencies to support those affected by the incident.

The thick smoke generated by the blaze was visible across the surrounding area. Carshalton resident Mark Potts stated: I live in Carshalton and could see the smoke from my garden. I went for a walk thinking it was a grass fire on the field behind my house. I feel sorry for the families that have lost their homes today and hope that they will all be ok.

Among those who lost their homes in the blaze was Bobby Davies, a coach for Morden group Fox Soccer Academy. According to a GoFundMe set up for him, Mr Davies managed to escape along with his cat and dog. The fundraising description stated: “While we are incredibly grateful that everyone made it out alive, Bobby and his family have lost absolutely everything. In a matter of minutes, they were left with nothing. Their home, clothes, furniture, personal belongings, treasured memories, and everyday essentials have all been destroyed. They are now faced with the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.”

According to the academy, Mr Davies first joined as a young player before later becoming a valued coach, with the academy adding that he is an incredible person who has dedicated countless hours to inspiring and supporting young footballers, always putting others before himself. The fundraiser raised over £3,000 at the time of publication to provide secure temporary accommodation, replace essential clothing and household items, and help him rebuild his life. Pictures from the scene showed walls blackened with rooms inside destroyed.

Ongoing Investigation Into the Mitcham Fire

Despite the extensive destruction across all three floors and roof spaces of the row of ex-townhouses converted into flats, officials confirmed there were no reports of any injuries currently, while crews carried out a systematic search of all affected buildings.

The cause of the fire on Belgrave Walk is under investigation, according to the London Fire Brigade. Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha and firefighting crews remained at the scene throughout the evening tackling hot spots and damping down the building to ensure complete extinguishment.