Trafalgar Square fire: 150 people evacuated as iconic London pub ablaze

Dozens of firefighters dashed to the scene in central London as smoke poured across the area, which is home to landmarks including Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery.
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Scores of people were evacuated as firefighters battled a blaze at an iconic pub in Trafalgar Square.

The fire brigade was called at 5.49pm yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, July 12) to reports of a fire in the Admiralty Pub’s basement.

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And the blaze was brought under control by just after 10pm that evening.

Dozens of firefighters dashed to the scene in central London as smoke poured across the area, which is home to landmarks including Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery.

The fire brigade was called at 5.49pm to reports of a fire in the Admiralty Pub’s basement. Photo: LFBThe fire brigade was called at 5.49pm to reports of a fire in the Admiralty Pub’s basement. Photo: LFB
The fire brigade was called at 5.49pm to reports of a fire in the Admiralty Pub’s basement. Photo: LFB

The venue, which is known as London’s most central pub, was evacuated, as well as the surrounding businesses.

150 people were moved to safety, the fire service said, and there were no reports of injuries.

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Photos on social media showed fire engines in the square and clouds of dark grey smoke.

Drivers and pedestrians were asked to avoid the area due to heavy traffic disruption.

Station commander Keith McDermott, who was at the scene, said: “The fire is in the sub basement of a pub in Trafalgar Square.

"Due to the arduous, challenging and hot conditions inside the basement we’ve increased the number of fire engines and firefighters at the scene.

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"Around 150 people evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses before the brigade arrived.

“There have been no reports of any injuries.”

He added: “There is heavy traffic disruption and we ask people to avoid the area if possible.”

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

A fire brigade spokesperson said: “The brigade was called at 5.49pm and the fire was under control by 10.01pm.

“Fire crews from Soho and surrounding fire stations attended the incident.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”