article_snippet: Billowing black smoke could be seen for miles around the Grade II listed building after the fire which ripped through the Grade II began at just after 4.15pm today. 
article_snippet: Nicholas Bennett, a magistrate at nearby Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court, said earlier this afternoon that black smoke had been 'everywhere, engulfing the  area.'
article_snippet: This incredible photo shows the flames of the inferno reaching up into the sky behind nearby homes who were warned to keep doors and windows closed against the smoke .
article_snippet: People living and working nearby were also warned to keep doors and windows closed against the billowing black smoke.
article_snippet: Billowing black smoke could be seen for miles from the fire Battersea Arts Centre as the fire took hold, which needed almost 60 firefighters to try and tackle it .
article_snippet: Comedian Paul Foxcroft, who saw the blaze, told Channel 4: 'The first thing I saw when I came out of my house were several fire engines hurtling past, then I saw grey smoke in the sky. '
article_snippet: I heard one saying 'Please save it' as more firemen arrived. '
article_snippet: but no-one was injured, while occupants nearby were warned to keep occupants nearby windows closed against the billowing black smoke .
article_snippet: Hazy: Smoke has filled the surrounding streets to Battersea Arts Centre after a major fire began at the theatre earlier this afternoon .