Around 150 people have been evacuated after a fire at a pub in London sent thick smoke into Trafalgar Square. London's fire service told the Mirror that 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze with half of the pub's sub-basement on fire.
In footage shared online, the Admiralty pub can be seen filled with thick black smoke that billows into the air and rises across nearby buildings. The three-storey pub is found in the Spring Gardens, a street that crosses the east end of the Mall by Trafalgar Square.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and around 150 people were evacuated from the pub and surrounding businesses before fire crews arrived. There are no reports of any injuries.
Photos taken from the scene show large crowds of people gathered as crews attempt to put out the blaze under what the fire service has described as "arduous and challenging" conditions.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area with the smoke engulfing surrounding buildings. Fire crews were called at 5.49pm this evening.
Station Commander Keith McDermott, who is 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.
"Around 150 people evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses before the Brigade arrived. There has been no reports of any injuries. There is heavy traffic disruption and we ask people to avoid the area if possible."
Due to the fire, the Mall is closed each way between Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Road. Cockspur Street is also shut westbound from Trafalgar Square to Pall Mall.
There are queues around the Strand, Whitehall and Charing Cross Road approaching Trafalgar Square. The fire broke out during London's week-long heatwave, which has seen temperatures rise up to a sweltering 32C in the capital.
The Admiralty, a Fuller's establishment, is described as a traditional pub with views of Nelson's Column and is officially considered London's most central pub.
A spokesperson for the Met Police, who are also at the incident, said: "Police are assisting with road closures following reports of a fire at an address in Spring Gardens SW1. No reports of any injuries at this time."
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