On Friday 14 February, a massive blaze engulfed Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury hotel and celebrity hotspot in London's Marylebone district. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the Chiltern Firehouse roof as over 100 Valentine’s Day diners, guests, and staff rushed to evacuate. Known for its award-winning restaurant, initial reports suggest the fire originated in a pizza oven and subsequently spread through the kitchen's duct and extraction system, affecting other areas of the hotel.
Shortly before 3pm, The London Fire Brigade deployed 20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters. The inferno rapidly engulfed the four-storey Grade II listed former firehouse. Possible factors and explanations under investigation include grease buildup, electrical faults, or a cooking accident. After a five-hour battle, the fire was finally brought under control, but not before causing significant damage, just ahead of the weekend when Timothee Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Lily Collins were due to stay.
The roof and third floor were completely destroyed, with approximately half of the second floor and a portion of the ground floor also affected. A highly anticipated BAFTA afterparty, set to be hosted by Netflix at the Chiltern Firehouse on Sunday, was relocated to The Twenty Two, a luxury hotel in Mayfair. In a statement after the incident, US hotel magnate and Chiltern Firehouse owner Andre Balazs announced the hotel will remain closed indefinitely.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt commended the firefighters' efforts, noting that they ‘worked hard over a number of hours in arduous conditions in a complex and historically significant building.’
One of the firefighters responding to the blaze had been stationed at the building 30 years ago when it still operated as a fire station. US hotel magnate and owner Andre Balazs expressed his gratitude to the emergency responders, acknowledging the sentimental value the building held for many of them.
As the smoke clears and the full extent of the damage becomes apparent, many are left wondering when, or if, this iconic London landmark will rise from the ashes to reclaim its status as one of the city's most glamorous destinations.
Another iconic London restaurant might be gearing up to reopen, as Gordon Ramsay acquires the legendary Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche.
Image credit: LFB