Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire on Rushey Green in Lewisham tonight.
Firefighters tackled a fire at a three-storey nursery where nearly half of the roof was destroyed by fire. There were no injuries reported.
Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the heavy smoke.
The Brigade's Control Office took the first of 17 calls at 1837 and mobilised fire crews from Bromley, East Greenwich, Peckham and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control at 2125.
Firefighters will remain at the scene for the next few hours, residents are advised to avoid the area as there are road closures in place causing traffic congestion in the surrounding roads.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.