Over 97 firefighters and officers tackled a fire in a pub on Bellegrove Road, Welling this morning.
Seven people left the building before the Brigade arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.
Around half of the first floor and most of the roof was damaged in the fire.
Station Manager Martin Freeman who was at the scene said;
"Staff at the pub had a lucky escape as they heard the smoke alarm sound, left the pub and alerted the Brigade. I can’t stress how important smoke alarms are, you should have one on every floor of your property and test them regularly.
"Thanks to the alarm, seven members of staff were able to leave the building in good time but had they not had an early warning there could have been a very different outcome.”
Fifteen fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were at the scene from stations including East Greenwich, Plumstead, Erith, Lee Green, Eltham, Deptford and Bexley.
The Brigade was called at 0924 and the fire was under control at 1317. Crews are expected to be at the scene damping down for some time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.