A man was treated for burns to his hands following a huge blaze in Streatham.

Fire crews were called to the fire between Prentis Road and Central Parade, Streatham, at 12.19pm this afternoon.

Storage sheds at the back of Bartek, a polish delicatessan, caught fire and spread to the ground floor of the shop.

Six fire engines from West Norwood, Norbury, Tooting, and Clapham fire stations went to the scene and 35 firefighters.

The blaze was under control by 2pm.

A total of 25 residents were evacuated from a care home in Prentis Road which backed onto the row of shops.

The London Ambulance Service treated a man for minor burns to his hands.

Two other patients were treated for shock and smoke inhalation.
People said they saw a large plume of black smoke from all over south London.

Martin Corbett, station manager, said: "Firefighters worked hard in very hot conditions to bring the fire under control.

"The blaze caused a lot of smoke, but fortunately it is now under control."

Dean Miguel, who was walking past at the time, said: "I had just walked past the area and there was a bang.

"It sounded like a car crash. I was waiting at a bus stop near by and looked up and saw the smoke."

Councillor Lib Peck, the leader of Lambeth Council, said: “The fire in Prentis Road, Streatham will have been very alarming for people, particularly the elderly residents who have had to leave the Glebe sheltered housing temporarily and those who have been evacuated from their homes and businesses.

“We are doing all we can to help and support people in Streatham who’ve been affected by the fire. Council officers are on site to support residents.

“We are hugely grateful that no one has been injured and I want to pay tribute to the emergency services, particularly the London Fire Brigade, who have responded quickly to deal with this incident.”

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