A massive fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse Hotel and restaurant in Marylebone, central London, prompting the evacuation of around 100 guests. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, required over 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines to bring the blaze under control.
According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the fire originated in the ducting on the ground floor before spreading to the upper levels and the roof of the four-storey Grade II-listed building. The historic venue, once a Victorian fire station, is widely known for hosting A-list celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and Tom Cruise.
According to BBC, emergency services responded to a 999 call at 2:52 pm (local time). Firefighters battled the flames for several hours, finally containing the fire by 9:30 pm.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
André Balazs, owner of Chiltern Firehouse, expressed relief that all guests and staff had been safely evacuated. “It is with heartfelt gratitude that we watched 120 firefighters from more than 14 stations respond to this emergency. One of them even served in this very building when it was a fire station 30 years ago,” he said.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as alarming, with thick black smoke engulfing the street. Guy Fischman, who was passing by, was quoted by The Guardian saying, “There was really thick smoke, and visibility was awful. My coat still smells of it.” Another bystander noted that “glamorous” diners had to stand outside in the cold as they waited for updates.
Videos circulating on social media showed flames at the top of the building as firefighters used an aerial platform to spray water over the structure. The LFB confirmed that crews worked in challenging conditions but successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an official investigation is underway. The venue, which was set to host a Netflix party for the upcoming BAFTA Awards, will remain closed until further notice.
Opened in 2013 as a luxury hotel and restaurant, the Chiltern Firehouse quickly became a favourite among celebrities and high-profile figures. Over the years, it has welcomed guests such as Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Bill Clinton, and David Cameron.
The London Fire Brigade has assured the public that safety measures are being assessed. Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene throughout the night to monitor any remaining hotspots.
