Around 100 firefighters are currently tackling a significant blaze at the historic BBC Television Centre in White City, London. The fire has prompted the deployment of 15 fire engines to the scene, where the nine-storey building is home to numerous popular television shows.
The Television Centre, which produces ITV programmes such as Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, This Morning, Loose Women, and The Graham Norton Show, also hosts BBC productions like Strictly Come Dancing and QI. The fire is reportedly affecting the upper floors of the building, which served as the national broadcaster's headquarters until its relocation in 2013. The site remains an active television studio complex, alongside luxury apartments, a hotel, and various amenities.
In response to the emergency, Wood Lane has been closed to traffic, and the London Fire Brigade is advising the public to steer clear of the area. A rest centre has been established for those evacuated from nearby buildings. A spokesperson for the Brigade stated, "A restaurant, external decking and ducting is currently alight. An unknown number of flats have also potentially been affected by the fire."
The fire brigade received the call at 03:08 and has mobilised crews from Hammersmith, North Kensington, Kensington, Chiswick, and surrounding fire stations. Two 32-metre turntable ladders are being used as water towers to combat the flames from above. Additionally, the Brigade's drone team is on-site, assisting the Incident Commander with enhanced situational awareness.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the Brigade is working alongside multi-agency partners, including the Metropolitan Police, to ensure the safe evacuation of buildings in the vicinity. The incident is expected to continue for some time, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant.