Two fire engines and two fire rescue units were called to reports of a gas leak in St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden.
Crews have assisted the Metropolitan Police Service with the evacuation of a number of restaurants and two theatres. Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters were standing by at the scene while the gas authority carried out excavation work.
The Brigade was called at 1807 and the incident was over for firefighters at 2243. Fire crews from Soho, Euston and Lewisham fire stations were at the scene.