The renowned Chiltern Firehouse, a favorite luxury hotel and celebrity hotspot in Marylebone, was evacuated on Friday after a fire broke out, prompting a massive emergency response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
More than 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene after a distress call was made at 2:52 PM. The blaze, which started in the building’s ducting system on the ground floor, quickly spread to the second and third floors before reaching the roof. Firefighters battled the flames for six hours before confirming that the situation was under control.
A Rapid Evacuation and Emergency Response
Approximately 100 guests and staff members were swiftly evacuated from the Grade II-listed building. Hotel owner André Balazs reassured the public that no injuries were reported. “Our guests and staff were safely evacuated. The fire was fully contained by 9:30 PM,” Balazs stated.
The London Fire Brigade commended its firefighters for their swift response and efforts to contain the fire to a single building, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties. However, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“Crews worked tirelessly in challenging conditions within a historic structure. Our priority was to ensure the safety of everyone involved and prevent further damage,” said an LFB spokesperson. Firefighters continued to monitor the building overnight, extinguishing hotspots and assessing structural integrity.
Eyewitness Accounts: Smoke and Chaos
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and disbelief as thick smoke engulfed the street.
“There was smoke everywhere, and you could barely see down the road,” said Guy Fischman, a local resident who witnessed the fire. “I didn’t expect it to get so big, especially with the fire brigade arriving quickly. My coat still smells of smoke.”
A guest dining at the restaurant when the fire started described the dramatic evacuation. “One moment, we were enjoying our meal, and the next, alarms were blaring, and staff were ushering us out. The air was filled with smoke, and we had no idea what was happening,” she said.
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Several bystanders shared videos on social media showing firefighters using aerial platforms to douse the flames, while plumes of black smoke billowed from the roof. Authorities cordoned off the area, preventing public access to nearby streets.
A Landmark Venue in London’s Hospitality Scene
Chiltern Firehouse, originally one of London’s first fire stations, has been a hotspot for celebrities and high-profile figures since its transformation into a luxury hotel and restaurant in 2014. The venue has hosted stars such as Madonna, Kate Moss, Keira Knightley, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Known for its upscale dining and exclusive clientele, the firehouse has been a fixture in London’s elite social scene. Despite Friday’s incident, the management has assured patrons that the establishment will recover.
“We are heartbroken by this incident but deeply grateful to the firefighters who responded so quickly,” Balazs said. “This building holds sentimental value for many, including some of the fire crews who once worked here when it was a fire station decades ago.”
What’s Next for Chiltern Firehouse?
Officials have not yet determined when the venue will reopen, as structural assessments and repairs are expected to take time. A full investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Meanwhile, London authorities have advised locals to avoid the area until further notice due to ongoing safety inspections.
The iconic venue’s temporary closure leaves a void in the city’s luxury hospitality scene, but many hope it will soon reclaim its status as a premier destination.
