Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire at a shop with dwellings above on Leather Lane in Clerkenwell.
The fire destroyed a ground floor shop and the roof of the building, as well as a loft extension. Half of the first floor and part of the second floor were damaged by the fire. Seven residents left the properties of the three-storey building before the Brigade arrived and firefighters evacuated the neighbouring properties as a precaution. There are no reports of any injuries.
Leather Lane remains closed while firefighters dampen down hotspots, causing heavy traffic congestion, so firefighters advise people avoid the area.
Two of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders were deployed to the scene to help fight the fire from above.
The Brigade's Control Office was first called at 0542 and mobilised crews from Soho, Euston, Islington and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0851.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.