Key Points:
- House fire broke out in Marsala Road, Lewisham, just before 1.45am on May 21, 2025.
- Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters attended the scene.
- Three adults and one child were rescued from the house and taken to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
- The fire damaged part of the building’s ground floor.
- Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 2.45am.
- The London Fire Brigade is investigating the cause of the fire.
- Lewisham Council faces challenges with over 5,000 overdue fire safety actions, including 200 high-risk actions in social housing.
- More than 2,000 homes in Lewisham do not meet the Decent Homes Standard.
- London Fire Brigade’s average response time to primary fires is 6 minutes and 45 seconds.
- Lewisham Council has committed to improving fire safety under ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Lewisham is a vibrant southeast London borough known for its diverse communities, residential areas, and strong transport connections to central London.
What happened in the Marsala Road house fire in Lewisham?
As reported by Berk Uyal of News Shopper, a fire broke out in a house on Marsala Road, Lewisham just before 1.45am on May 21, 2025. The London Fire Brigade dispatched four fire engines and around 25 firefighters to tackle the blaze. According to Uyal, three adults and one child were rescued from the property before firefighters brought the fire under control at approximately 2.45am.
The fire caused damage to part of the ground floor of the building. The rescued individuals were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and later taken to hospital for further medical care. Crews from Lewisham, Greenwich, Lee Green, and neighbouring fire stations attended the emergency.
How is the cause of the fire being handled?
The London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation Team is currently investigating the cause of the Marsala Road fire. No further details about the origin of the blaze have been released. Berk Uyal of News Shopper emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing.
What is the fire safety situation in Lewisham’s residential buildings?
Lewisham Council manages numerous residential properties, including high-rise blocks like Holly Tree House, Conifer House, and Poplar House. These buildings fall under the 2022 Building Safety Act, which requires regular fire risk assessments and safety management. As noted in background information, the council works with partners to maintain fire safety equipment, update evacuation plans, and communicate with residents.
Why has Lewisham Council faced criticism over fire safety?
As detailed by Berk Uyal of News Shopper, Lewisham Council was issued a regulatory notice by the Regulator of Social Housing in March 2024, citing failures to meet consumer standards related to fire safety. The council reportedly had over 5,000 overdue fire safety actions, including approximately 200 high-risk issues concerning high-rise tower blocks. Additionally, more than 2,000 homes in the borough failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
The council acknowledged these shortcomings and committed to an action plan aimed at resolving the outstanding fire safety issues under continued regulatory oversight.
How quickly does the London Fire Brigade respond to incidents like this?
The London Fire Brigade maintains a strong emergency response record. According to official data referenced by News Shopper, the average response time to primary fires across London was 6 minutes and 45 seconds in the year ending March 2024. This rapid response was demonstrated in the Marsala Road fire where firefighters arrived promptly and controlled the blaze within an hour.
What does this mean for residents of Lewisham?
The recent fire at Marsala Road highlights ongoing fire safety challenges in Lewisham’s housing stock, particularly social housing. Despite regulatory criticism and overdue fire safety work, the council is taking steps to improve safety standards. Continued vigilance, investment in fire risk management, and cooperation between the council, fire services, and residents are crucial to prevent future incidents and protect the community.
Lewisham’s history of house fires
- On May 1, 2025, a major house fire occurred on Marsala Road involving four fire engines and around 25 firefighters.
- Fire safety compliance in Lewisham’s social housing is under pressure due to thousands of overdue actions and homes below standards.
- The London Fire Brigade responds to fires rapidly, maintaining high operational readiness across the capital.
- Lewisham Council has designated responsible fire safety managers for high-rise buildings to comply with legal requirements.
- Regulatory bodies continue to monitor and press for improvements in fire safety management in the borough.
