Huge plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from The Admiralty pub after the fire broke out shortly before 5.50pm on Tuesday. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were initially called to the scene, but this was later increased to 20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters in “difficult” conditions. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said half of the pub’s basement was gutted. Station Commander Keith McDermott, at the scene, said: “Due to the strenuous, difficult and hot conditions inside the basement we have increased the number of fire engines and firefighters on scene. “Approximately 150 people evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses before the brigade arrived.” An LFB spokesman added: “Steady progress is being made on the Trafalgar Square pub fire. We are likely to be at the scene for the next few hours.” There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
