Huge fire at hotel in Knightsbridge

The external planting facade was damaged by fire. Small parts of several floors of the hotel, the roof and plant machinery on the roof also sustained fire damage.

A total of 36 hotel guests, including singer Robbie Williams and his wife, and 250 hotel staff were evacuated from the 12-storey building and there were no reports of any injuries.  

The Brigade's 999 control officers took around 40 calls to the fire, which produced a large plume of smoke and could be seen for miles around. 

Station manager Pam Oparaocha, was at the scene, said: “The smoke from this large fire was very visible across central London and we received a number of emergency calls. Firefighters worked extremely hard in exceptionally hot conditions to bring the fire under control. Crews wearing breathing apparatus carried out search and rescue operations throughout the inside of the building.”

“Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene throughout Thursday (June 7) and fire investigators will then take over to establish how the blaze started.”

Deputy commissioner director of Safety and Assurance Steve Apter said: "Once again, the skills, professionalism and quality of London Fire Brigade was tested at a challenging fire in Knightsbridge today. Really proud to be able to see first hand the team at it's best."

The Brigade was called at 1555 and was under control by 2151. Fire crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. You can see a video of firefighters tackling the blaze below.