Over 150 firefighters responded to the blaze at the old Gala Bingo Hall in Richmond Road shortly after 2:30pm yesterday.
London Fire Brigade Station Commander James Ryan told Jackie’s Alex Loveridge that they would be there overnight.
Twenty-five fire engines were in attendance.
Parts of the first, second, third and fourth floors of the building, previously used as a bingo hall, and the roof were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Will Thompson, who was at the scene, said: “On arrival, crews were faced with a developing fire within the building with smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
“Road closures were in place into the evening, and we urged people to avoid the area to minimise disruption.
“The fire produced thick smoke, so we advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were deployed as water towers and for observation, giving incident commanders an aerial view to enhance situational awareness and support tactical decisions.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 34 calls to the fire and mobilised crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Twickenham, Richmond and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.
