A fire that significantly damaged the Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury hotel in central London, was caused by wood that fell from a pizza oven, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

The incident occurred on Friday and led to the evacuation of approximately 100 people.

No injuries were reported.

The hotel, which is a popular venue for celebrities and had been scheduled to host a post-Bafta film awards party on the following Sunday, experienced flames that spread through the four-storey building via ducting.

The fire caused extensive damage, particularly affecting parts of the ground floor, half of the second floor, and completely destroying the third floor and roof.

The LFB reported that the fire was ignited accidentally when burning wood from the oven fell into the void between the basement and ground floor.

Paul McCourt, assistant commissioner for the LFB, praised the efforts of the firefighters, stating, "Crews worked incredibly hard for over eight hours in arduous conditions.

Presented with a complex fire in a historically significant building, formerly Manchester Square fire station, firefighters successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties."

Approximately 125 firefighters, utilizing 20 fire engines, were deployed to control the situation.

The Chiltern Firehouse, which operates as a five-star hotel and restaurant, is situated in a building that was originally a fire station, repurposed for its current use.