London, UK – A fire broke out at the renowned Chiltern Firehouse hotel in Marylebone, central London, on Wednesday night, prompting the evacuation of 100 guests.
Scores of firefighters battled for over five hours to contain the blaze at the luxury five-star establishment, which has long been a favorite among celebrities.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that no injuries had been reported but stated that crews would remain on-site overnight to monitor the situation and ensure safety.
Blaze Breaks Out in Ducting, Spreads Across Floors
According to fire officials, the blaze originated in ducting on the ground floor before spreading rapidly through the ventilation system to the upper floors.
Flames eventually reached the roof of the four-storey building, causing thick plumes of smoke to rise into the night sky.
Video footage circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes of firefighters using cranes to douse the flames, while onlookers watched as smoke billowed over the Marylebone area.
In a statement, hotel owner André Balazs expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency crews, revealing that some firefighters had a deep personal connection to the building.
“It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that we watched a remarkable 140 firefighters from over 20 stations rapidly descend on what they told me was a hugely sentimental building for so many of them,” Balazs said.
Firefighters Face “Challenging Circumstances”
More than 140 firefighters from multiple stations—including Euston, Soho, Paddington, West Hampstead, Kensington, and Chelsea—rushed to the scene.
LFB described the conditions as “challenging” but said crews managed to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby properties. The fire affected the second and third floors before being brought under control.
Firefighters deployed high-pressure hoses and used aerial ladder platforms to combat the flames from above. Eyewitnesses described intense heat, thick smoke, and embers falling from the upper floors.
Local resident Guy Fischman, who was walking home from Bond Street, recalled the chaotic scene.
“My coat stinks of smoke right now,” said Fischman. “There was really thick smoke, and it got into the other street as well. I walked out, and the visibility was awful. I saw embers coming from a window at the top. The firefighters were really trying to fight it with the water jets.”
Celebrity Hotspot Closed “Until Further Notice”
The Chiltern Firehouse, known for hosting high-profile figures such as Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, and Johnny Depp, was scheduled to host a Netflix party for the upcoming BAFTA Awards on Sunday. However, the event is now in jeopardy as the venue remains closed indefinitely.
Balazs confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire was underway but stated that the extent of the damage was still being assessed.
“We are grateful to confirm that no one was hurt, and our guests and staff safely evacuated,” Balazs added.
The hotel, which occupies a former Victorian fire station built in 1889, opened as a 26-suite luxury hotel and 200-seat restaurant in 2013.
As authorities continue their investigation, firefighters are expected to remain at the scene to ensure the fire does not reignite. The full extent of the damage, as well as the timeline for the venue’s reopening, remains uncertain.
