Chiltern Firehouse Blaze; Luxury London Hotel Evacuated as Fire Spreads

2025-03-01

A fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury hotel and celebrity hotspot in London’s Marylebone district, on Friday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of around 100 guests and staff. The blaze, which started on the ground floor and spread to the roof, required the response of 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed the fire was under control by Friday evening, though crews remained on-site overnight to manage hotspots.

The Grade II-listed building, originally a Victorian fire station, suffered significant damage, with the fire spreading through ducting and affecting the second, third, and roof levels. Owner André Balazs confirmed no injuries were reported and expressed gratitude to the firefighters, noting that one of the responders had previously been stationed at the building when it was a functioning fire station 30 years ago.

The Chiltern Firehouse, known for its celebrity clientele, was due to host Netflix’s BAFTA Awards after-party on Sunday. However, the venue will remain closed indefinitely for extensive repairs. Eyewitnesses described thick smoke billowing from the building, with flames visible at the roof. Firefighters used an aerial platform to douse the blaze, which took over five hours to contain.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident has disrupted plans for the high-profile event, with the hotel’s bar and restaurant, frequented by stars such as Tom Cruise, Kate Moss, and Dua Lipa, now facing a prolonged closure.