A significant fire broke out on Electric Avenue in Brixton, south London, prompting a major emergency response and the arrest of a man on suspicion of arson. The blaze began in a storage area behind shops on this bustling shopping street, which was famously immortalised in Eddy Grant’s 1983 hit song "Electric Avenue." The fire rapidly spread to the building above the storage area, causing extensive damage that required the deployment of around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines.

The London Fire Brigade managed to bring the fire under control by early afternoon, using high ladders both as lookouts and water towers to extinguish flames reaching the upper parts of the building. Throughout the day, firefighters worked persistently, accessing back areas of shops where smoke was billowing out, while torrents of water were visible from street-level hose connections. Despite the dramatic scene, there were no reported injuries, with approximately 50 people evacuated from the affected premises before the fire brigade arrived.

In response to the incident, Brixton Tube station was closed for the day as a precaution to prevent smoke from spreading through the Underground network. Additionally, police implemented road closures and maintained a cordon around Electric Avenue, blocking pedestrian and vehicle access to the area and advising local residents to keep their windows shut to avoid smoke inhalation.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a full investigation into the fire as a suspected arson case. A man in his 40s was arrested and remains in police custody while enquiries continue. The authorities have established a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, offering a dedicated phone line and anonymity options for callers.

Electric Avenue, historically significant as the first market street in London to be lit by electric lights in the late 19th century, is renowned not only for its vibrant market offering African, Caribbean, South American, and South Asian goods but also for its cultural legacy. The street is situated near Brixton Underground station and retains a crucial place in the local community and London’s wider cultural landscape.

This event underscores the vulnerabilities even iconic urban landmarks face to such devastating incidents. The swift coordinated effort by firefighters and the police has so far prevented injuries and curbed the spread of the blaze, but the full impact on local businesses and residents will become clearer as the investigation proceeds and the aftermath is assessed.

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Source: Noah Wire Services