Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a shop with flats above on Central Parade in New Addington.
Part of the ground floor shop was damaged by fire. Smoke damaged the flat above the shop and caused the death of two pet birds. Residents from the flat above the shop evacuated before the Brigade arrived. A further 25 people were evacuated from neighbouring properties by the Metropolitan Police Service. No injuries are reported.
Station Commander Tamer Ozdemir was at the scene, he said: “A quick-thinking member of the public saw smoke coming from the roof of the building and dialled 999. Crews worked really hard in hot tough conditions and succeeded in stopping the fire from spreading from the ground floor.
"This is also a timely reminder to make sure you test your smoke alarms. The residents were asleep at the time of the fire and were awoken by smoke coming through the floor boards. Upon investigation, they discovered smoke entering the property.
"This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start in your home, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and bathroom."
The Brigade was called at 0357 and the fire was under control by 0610. Fire crews from Addington, Biggin Hill, Woodside, Bromley and Croydon fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and caused by hot works.