Over 40 firefighters save trapped women after fire inside Poundland

THREE women were saved in an operation led by more than 40 firefighters following a major fire at a Poundland supermarket.  

A faulty air conditioning unit is thought to have caused the blaze at Poundland in Plumstead, South East London, on Sunday (April 17). 

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the fire at the Plumstead High Street shop which has several flats above. 

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “The ground floor of the mid-terraced shop was damaged by the fire.  

“Firefighters led three women to safety and another four adults left the flats above before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries. 

“We were called at 3.52pm and the fire was under control by 5.34pm.  

“Fire crews from Plumstead, Erith, East Greenwich and Bromley fire stations were at the scene. 

“The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a fault within an air conditioning unit.”