Mayfair fire tackled by more than 100 firefighters - BBC News

4 February 2012 Last updated at 11:40 ET

More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines have been sent to a large fire in central London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the blaze in a five-storey terraced house in Mayfair, which spread to the roof, was under control by 14:33 GMT.

Aerial appliances have been used to fight the blaze in Grafton Street which crews were called to at 05:27 GMT.

Westminster Council said a number of roads had been cordoned off for safety.

'Working tirelessly'

These include Grafton Street, Albermarle Street, Dover Street and Bond Street. Some shops have also been closed temporarily, said LFB.

LFB said appliances similar to cherry pickers were being used to spray water directly into the roof which was the focus of attention.

The fire spread from the third and fourth floors but did not affect neighbouring properties.

Station manager Mick Sayer said firefighters were working to "restore normality" to the area as quickly as possible.

He said the high number of fire engines and crew attending was due in part to the low temperatures.

"Because it's so cold outside when [the firefighters] get wet from the run-off water we have to turn the crews around regularly," he said.

There have been no reports of injury, LFB said.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said firefighters were called to Grafton Street just 20 minutes after being called to another fire in a fast food restaurant in Leicester Square.

That fire was under control by 08:45 GMT and there were no reports of injuries.