On Sunday, 16 March, 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire, which began at around 2pm, at a disused building on Richmond Road in Kingston.

Parts of the first, second, third and fourth floors of the building, and the roof were damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries. 

Station Commander Will Thompson, who was at the scene, said: "On arrival, crews were faced with a developing fire within the building with smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.

"Road closures were in place into the evening, and we urged people to avoid the area to minimise disruption.

"The fire produced thick smoke, so we advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.

"Two of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders were deployed as water towers and for observation, giving incident commanders an aerial view to enhance situational awareness and support tactical decisions."

The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 34 calls to the fire at 1424 and mobilised crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham, Richmond and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1804. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.