Large fire breaks out at tower block in Surrey

A large fire has broken out at a tower block in a Surrey town centre.

Firefighters responded to reports of the blaze at a former multi-storey car park on Elmsleigh Road in Staines-upon-Thames, at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.

In an update on X, formerly Twitter, Surrey fire and Rescue Service said the incident was “now under control and all people are accounted for”.

The fire service are continuing to urge people to avoid the area where possible and are asking residents to keep their windows closed.

Footage of the fire on X shows a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky.

The fire service wrote on X: “We received a call this afternoon around 12.30pm to a report of a fire at the former Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.

“Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire. Please can you avoid the area if possible and we ask residents to keep their windows shut.”

In an update posted at around 2pm, they added: “This fire is now under control and all people are accounted for.

“Please stay away from the area for some more time, if possible, whilst we continue our work here.

“Thanks to staff and partners who have supported at this incident.”