Firefighters remain at the scene in Camden after a blaze broke out at the iconic London venue Koko last night (January 6).
After being called at 8:56pm, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent eight fire engines and 60 firefighters to tackle the fire at the venue, which is currently undergoing refurbishment. The fire was declared to be under control at 2:37am this morning.
After initially reporting last night that 30% of the roof was alight, the LFB have this morning (January 7) confirmed that part of Koko’s roof has indeed been damaged by the fire — but the rest of the building has been saved.
The fast action and hard work of firefighters contained the #Camden nightclub fire to the roof of the building. Fire crews will remain at the scene throughout the day https://t.co/PkzjrSqAy6 pic.twitter.com/5v1hw5Ozks
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) January 7, 2020
“Firefighters’ quick action and hard work in the early stages meant the fire was contained to the roof and saved the rest of the building,” station Commander Jon Lewis said. “Fire crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning.”
The LFB added that the cause of the fire is not known at this stage. There have also not been any reports of any injuries.
We’ve got 8 fire engines & around 60 firefighters tackling a visible blaze on #Camden High Street. Please avoid the area if possible. More soon https://t.co/lAKyhFCSbb
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) January 6, 2020
@LondonFire crews still working diligently to bring the situation fully under control. Hard work and dynamic action has helped prevent significant escalation and fire spread. We will have a presence throughout the night to ensure a safe resolution to the incident. https://t.co/4KApSZd3cW
— Jonathan Smith (@ACSmith978) January 7, 2020
The iconic KOKO club in London currently on fire #koko #camden #fire pic.twitter.com/lUT77cDFLI
— Jiannis Georgiadis (@jgeorgiad) January 6, 2020
Fire at the Koko music venue. Firefighters at the scene. pic.twitter.com/4NemcJ4JhB
— Camden New Journal (@NewJournal) January 6, 2020
Things very much under control now. Looks like KOKO is saved. Thank you so much to the firefighters for responding so quickly. pic.twitter.com/Sj90lsDhUt
— Oliver Cooper (@OliverCooper) January 6, 2020
We were called at 20:56 to a fire at a #Camden nightclub under refurbishment. 30% of the roof is alight. Firefighters working hard to save the rest of the building. Please avoid the area if possible https://t.co/ARvemtJ1Er
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) January 6, 2020
The legendary London venue has been closed since March 2019 to undergo a £40 million refurbishment. It had been intended that Koko would re-open in the spring.
Having first opened in 1900 as a theatre venue, the building was last refurbished in 2004 after closing its doors as the Camden Palace in February of that year. It then re-opened in 2005 under the KOKO name. The new building work intended to create six new performances areas and introduce a radio station and broadcast station.
A small number of restaurants and shops will also be introduced as part of the David Archer-led rebuild, which will take over nearby buildings and also expand the rooftop.
“This isn’t just about offering a music venue. In the Camden spirit of independence, auteurship and eccentricity, we want to offer an unrivalled experience,” said KOKO’s owner Olly Bengough before the refurbishment work. “London is a forward-facing city. Where we lead, the world follows and we have to move with it. We’re protecting the culture, helping Camden and London.”