A 140 people were evacuated from a West Norwood restaurant last night. A smoke alarm alerted the diners, and thankfully there were no injuries.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers then tackled the blaze in West Norwood, Dulwich.
Part of a three story building and dwellings were alight, and the ground floor was badly damaged.
A smoke alarm helped raise the alarm. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
"Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home."
The Brigade was called at 2036 and the fire was under control by 2258. Crews from West Norwood and Brixton stations attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.