FORTY firefighters battled a fire in a block of flats in Chislehurst earlier today (February 10).
The roof of Hatton Court, Lubbock Road, and part of the second floor were destroyed in the blaze which raged for more than four hours.
Fire crews evacuated the building, which is believed to be made up of 12 flats, and three people were treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital.
Ambulance crews took a 33-year-old woman to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, and a woman and a boy to Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.
The fire in the three storey building started at around 10.30am and was under control by 2.10pm.
It was dealt with by firefighters from Bromley, Eltham, Downham, Sidcup, Erith and Forest Hill.
London Ambulance Service sent three Hazmat teams and four ambulances to the scene.
Hatton Court resident John Green said: "I thought those flats were fireproof. They're just bricks and morter.
"I saw a load a fireman running past and so came outside.
"I didn't see any flames but the firemen were pouring water into the building.
"I think the block was built in the 1950s. There is quite a lot of elderly people in there."
The 82-year-old added: "I think one woman has lived there since they were built."
Residents of the freehold flats are in the process of being rehomed.
A Bromley Council spokesman said: "We are talking to local residents and discussing with them the potential to offer alternative accommodation if it is needed."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hatton Court Residents' Board member Jim Minto, 68, said: "This is a real shock for the community.
"I was working from home when somebody told me the flats were on fire.
"I had no idea. I haven't heard anything about how it started."
However, while News Shopper was at the scene this afternoon (February 10), the estranged husband of the woman who owned the flat where the fire started said his partner was in hospital with his son.
He said his wife had moved in just before Christmas and said a malfunctioning laptop computer could have been to blame for the fire.
Did you see what happened? Call the newsroom on 01689 885732 or click here to send your pictures of the incident.
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