Firefighters extinguish inferno at the previous BBC headquarters, Television Centre.
In the early hours of this morning, a significant incident unfolded at the old BBC Television Centre in London's White City. Firefighters are currently battling a blaze at the iconic Helios Building, which now houses flats, a restaurant, and a 47-bedroom hotel.
The first reports of the fire were received just after 3am, and since then, approximately 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines have been called to the nine-storey building on Wood Lane. Crews from several fire stations, including Hammersmith, North Kensington, Kensington, Chiswick, and surrounding stations, have been sent to the scene.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is responsible for firefighting at the old BBC Television Centre. During this incident, around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines have been deployed to the scene. Two 32-metre turntable ladders are being deployed as water towers to help extinguish the fire from height.
The fire has affected floors towards the top of the building, and an unknown number of flats have potentially been affected. As a precaution, nearby buildings are being evacuated. Wood Lane is currently closed to traffic, and people are advised to avoid the area.
One patient was treated by paramedics at the scene, but fortunately, they have since been discharged. The London Ambulance Service was called to the incident, and they are working closely with the LFB to manage the situation.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and the incident is ongoing. The BBC was primarily based at Television Centre until 2013 before moving to Broadcasting House. The Helios Building, which has since been converted into flats and a restaurant, is involved in the fire.
This incident is being handled in close cooperation with emergency services partners, and the LFB is doing everything in their power to bring the fire under control. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
