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Koko Camden fire: Famous music venue engulfed in flames Koko Camden fire: Music venue engulfed in flames
(about 1 hour later)
Fire crews have spent the night tackling a large blaze at one of London's most famous music venues. Dozens of firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze at one of London's most famous music venues.
The London Fire Brigade says at one point a third of the roof of Koko in Camden, which is currently being refurbished, was alight.The London Fire Brigade says at one point a third of the roof of Koko in Camden, which is currently being refurbished, was alight.
Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the scaffolding in the roof. Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from scaffolding in the roof just before 21:00 GMT on Monday.
About 60 firefighters have been at the venue on Camden High Street after they were called just before 21:00 GMT. About 60 firefighters helped tackle the blaze, which was brought under control after about five hours.
The brigade said at one stage 30% of the roof was alight and it was "working hard" to save the rest of the building. Crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning and have warned people to stay away from the area. No injuries have been reported.
It also warned people to stay away from the area. No injuries have been reported. Station commander Jon Lewis said: "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."
Oliver Cooper, a Conservative councillor who witnessed the fire, said the blaze was "under control and now being pushed back". Oliver Cooper, a Conservative councillor who witnessed the fire, said on Twitter: "Devastated by the potential loss of such a huge part of Camden's culture."
He added on Twitter: "Devastated by the potential loss of such a huge part of Camden's culture." Koko, which began life as the Camden Theatre in 1900, was also previously known as the Camden Palace and Camden Hippodrome, and has been one of the most iconic live music venues in London for decades.
Koko was previously known as the Camden Palace and Camden Hippodrome, and has been one of the most iconic live music venues in London for decades. It was reportedly the last venue where AC/DC's Bon Scott was seen drinking at before his death from alcohol poisoning in 1980.
It is currently closed and undergoing refurbishment, and was set to reopen in the spring. In the early 80s it also served as a major venue for the punk and New Romantic scene, with singer Steve Strange of the band Visage holding club nights.
Acts such as Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and Prince have performed at the venue, which is close to Mornington Crescent underground station. Acts such as Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Prince have performed at the venue, which is close to Mornington Crescent underground station.
Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn tweeted about the fire: Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn who held his legendary soul nights Shakatak also tweeted about the fire:
Leader of Camden Council Georgia Gould said: "Heartbreaking watching the Camden Palace / Koko up in flames this evening, a building that holds so many memories and means so much to us in Camden." Camden Council leader Georgia Gould said: "Heartbreaking watching the Camden Palace / Koko up in flames this evening, a building that holds so many memories and means so much to us in Camden."
MP for Holborn and St Pancras Sir Keir Starmer echoed Ms Gould's statement on Twitter. Holborn and St Pancras MP Sir Keir Starmer said: "Awful news in Camden tonight. Incredible response from our firefighters. As Georgina Gould says, we owe them so much."
Sir Keir said: "Awful news in Camden tonight. Incredible response from our firefighters. As Georgina Gould says, we owe them so much." The venue was set to re-open in the spring after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings.
The venue was set to re-open after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings.