London Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of Richmond Street near Central Avenue on Friday evening, with multiple units dispatched to tackle a basement fire in a commercial property.

According to the London Fire Department, the incident involved a fire that broke out in the basement of a commercial building. Multiple fire crews were sent to the scene to address the emergency situation.

The fire department reported that the blaze has been brought under control, with firefighters currently conducting ventilation operations to clear smoke and ensure the building is safe. Ventilation is a standard procedure following structure fires to remove dangerous gases and smoke that can accumulate in enclosed spaces.

The 500 block of Richmond Street is a busy commercial area in London’s downtown core, making the quick response and containment of the fire particularly important for public safety and business operations in the neighbourhood.

Richmond Street near Central Avenue sees significant foot traffic and vehicle movement throughout the day, as it’s part of London’s central business district. The area houses various commercial establishments and is a key thoroughfare for both residents and visitors to the downtown area.

Basement fires in commercial properties can present unique challenges for firefighters, as they often involve limited access points and can be difficult to ventilate properly. The confined space of a basement can also lead to rapid smoke accumulation, making ventilation operations crucial for both firefighter safety and building preservation.

The London Fire Department’s quick response appears to have prevented the fire from spreading beyond the basement level, which could have resulted in more extensive damage to the commercial property and potentially affected neighbouring businesses.

While the fire is now under control, ventilation operations are ongoing as crews work to ensure the building is completely safe before allowing normal operations to resume. The cause of the basement fire has not been disclosed by the fire department at this time.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in commercial buildings, particularly in basement areas where fires can develop quickly and pose significant challenges for emergency responders.

No information has been released regarding any injuries or the extent of damage to the commercial property. The London Fire Department continues to monitor the situation as ventilation operations proceed.