A major fire erupted at a renowned luxury hotel in central London on Friday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of approximately 100 people. The incident occurred just before Valentine’s Day celebrations at the Chiltern Firehouse, a five-star establishment frequented by celebrities and dignitaries. Emergency services swiftly responded to the blaze, deploying over 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines to control the flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest it originated from the kitchen area and spread through the ducting to upper levels.

The Chiltern Firehouse, originally constructed as Marylebone Fire Station in 1889, has since been transformed into an upscale hotel with an award-winning restaurant. On Friday, guests were enjoying their evening when smoke was first detected. Despite the sudden disruption, all occupants were safely evacuated before emergency crews arrived. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade noted that the fire involved the ductwork connecting the ground floor to the roof, as well as a plant room situated at the top of the four-story building.

The hotel, owned by American entrepreneur Andre Balazs, is a popular destination for high-profile individuals, including Prince Harry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rihanna. Recent visitors included actors Mark Ruffalo and Morena Baccarin, along with footballer Jack Grealish. Eyewitnesses described the scene outside the hotel, where elegantly dressed guests huddled together, some wrapped in blankets to ward off the cold. One couple reported that the fire had started in the kitchen and quickly moved upward, though no flames were visible from the exterior.

To combat the blaze, firefighting units were dispatched from various parts of London, including Euston, Soho, Paddington, West Hampstead, Kensington, and Chelsea. The rapid response prevented any injuries and contained the fire within the structure. As investigations continue, the Chiltern Firehouse will likely undergo significant repairs before reopening its doors to the public. The event underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in historic buildings that have been repurposed for modern use.