Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include Edward VII, who maintained a kit at a London fire station.

December 15, 2009

PECKHAM - 2009

Photo: Sky News

On Nov. 26, 2009, flames swept a construction site, jumped a street and ignited an apartment block and a pub at Caribrooke Gardens, Peckham.

"At the height of the blaze there were 30 fire engines and over 150 firefighters tackling the fire," according to a London Fire Brigade press release. "Around 310 people were evacuated from their homes and moved to emergency accommodation."

No serious injuries were reported at the fire at Sumner Road and Rosemary Road.

"The ferocity of the fire was a challenge when we first arrived," said Steve Turek, assistant fire commissioner, quoted by the Associated Press. "All the buildings were simultaneously burning."

Paul McKenzie, owner of the gutted Golden Lion pub, told the BBC: "I opened the fire door into the club room and it was just hot. The glass in the windows were cracked and I thought, 'You know what, this not somewhere you want to be.'"