Firefighters tackle blaze at Kensington mansion “visible from Heathrow”

A team of 72 firefighters and ten engines are tackling a blaze at a three-storey house undergoing construction work in west London.

The house is on Campden Grove, Kensington, with the roof of the neighbouring property also alight. The property is undergoing renovations with a basement extension being carried out.

Smoke from the fire was visible all the way in Heathrow Airport, more than 13 miles away, according to tweets from members of the public.

OMG @TatianaHairExts the fire in kensington is so close !!! On my way in but may may difficult. U can see the smoke from Heathrow

— Rebecca Ferdinando (@Rferdinando) July 2, 2013

The fire was brought to the authorities’ attention at around 6am. Campden Grove was temporarily shut, along with part of Kensington Church Street.

London Fire Brigade station manager Rhodri Horton said: “When crews arrived they were faced with a rapidly developing fire affecting the whole of a three-storey house under refurbishment.

“Firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control. A mother and a daughter from a neighbouring property escaped into their garden.

“Fire crews used a ladder to get them over a fence and away to safety. Thankfully, they were both uninjured.”

10.50am:

The fire on Campden Grove is now under control, the London Fire Brigade has confirmed. Firefighters will remain at the scene in order to damp down any remaining hot spots.