CROYDON, London — A massive emergency response is currently underway in South London after a major fire broke out at a warehouse converted into a Hindu temple on Elmwood Road. Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters are on the scene battling the intense blaze.

Thick plumes of smoke have been seen rising over the area, prompting warnings from local authorities.

The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the incident early on Friday afternoon, July 3, 2026 with the first of nine emergency calls placed at approximately 1:09 PM. Emergency crews from Croydon, Norbury, Mitcham, Woodside, and surrounding stations immediately mobilized to the Elmwood Road site.

Upon arrival, first responders found a severe fire tearing through the property, identified as the London Croydon Sri Nagapoosani Amman Hindu temple. Officials have confirmed that roughly half of the two-story warehouse building has already been heavily engulfed by flames.

"I am very worried, I don't know what to do," stated Siva Kumara Sarma, the priest and owner of the temple, who was traveling abroad when he received the devastating news from his landlord.

Emergency personnel have established a wide safety perimeter around the burning structure to protect the public and facilitate active firefighting operations. Police and ambulance crews are supporting fire services on-site. Fortunately, authorities have reported that there are no initial signs of injuries resulting from the outbreak.

Because the incident is generating dense columns of smoke across nearby residential areas and commercial blocks, residents living nearby have been strongly advised to keep all windows and doors firmly shut. Commuters and pedestrians are also being urged to avoid the Elmwood Road area entirely while emergency vehicles navigate the narrow grid.

The main focus of the ongoing operation remains containment, as crews work to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring commercial properties and local infrastructure. The exact cause of the ignition is currently unknown and will be subject to a comprehensive investigation by fire investigators once the site is fully cooled and declared stable.