A fire incident occurred at The Roof Gardens, a well-known celebrity venue in Kensington, resulting in the destruction of a plant room on the roof. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.
Fire Response and Details
The blaze ignited around 1 a.m. on Monday, prompting a significant response from emergency services. A total of twelve fire engines and approximately 80 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation at the exclusive location situated just off Kensington High Street.
The Roof Gardens, which operates as a private members‘ club, is renowned for hosting lavish events attended by high-profile celebrities such as Idris Elba, Jude Law, and Nicole Kidman. The establishment is located atop a nine-story building that also houses the Equinox gym and the offices of the Daily Mail and Metro. Recently, crews tackled a fire at a 13-storey east London data centre, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in the area.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Prior to the arrival of the London Fire Brigade, around 40 individuals evacuated the premises. A representative from The Roof Gardens confirmed that the fire occurred in an external area on the sixth floor, assuring that no one was harmed and that there was no internal fire damage.
- The spokesperson stated: „As a precaution, we are conducting safety checks and anticipate reopening in the coming days.“
- They expressed gratitude towards the Kensington & Chelsea fire teams for their prompt response.
Fire Brigade’s Actions and Investigation
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade detailed that the fire was reported at 12:57 a.m. and that crews from Kensington, Hammersmith, Chelsea, and nearby stations were mobilized. The fire was brought under control by 3:36 a.m.
One of the Brigade’s 32-meter turntable ladders was utilized as an observation tower to assist the Incident Commander in assessing the fire from above. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Historical Context
The Roof Gardens originally opened in 1938 and was accessible to the public until January 2018, when the leaseholder, Virgin Limited Edition, could not finalize a lease renewal with the freeholder. In 2024, it reopened as a private members‘ club, hosting various celebrity events, fashion shows, and social gatherings.
A spokesperson for the Kensington and Chelsea Council expressed appreciation for the London Fire Brigade’s swift action, emphasizing the relief that no injuries occurred and that the fire has been extinguished. Council specialists will assist with ongoing safety assessments of the building, and some disruption in the area may be expected as emergency services conclude their operations.
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Flanker Lee auf Unsplash
