Firefighters are pictured at the scene of this morning's fire in Chesham. Click here for another picture, and here for pictures taken when the fire was at its peak.

19 May 2009, 6.00am

More than 50 firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire at the Royal British Legion Club in Broad Street, Chesham. About 10 people have been evacuated from adjacent properties.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the fire at 3.33am. Crews from Chesham, Amersham, Great Missenden, Beaconsfield, Aylesbury, Stokenchurch, Berkhamsted and Tring are attending, along with the turntable ladder from Great Holm and the Operational Support Unit and canteen van from Aylesbury.

The 35m by 30m building, which comprises two storeys and a basement, is 100 per cent involved in fire and the roof has been destroyed.

Group Manager Richard Priest, incident commander, said: "The main concern initially was the risk of the fire spreading to surrounding properties.

"As a precaution, residents in a terrace of houses on one side of the building and the flats above the shops on the other side were evacuated.

"Thanks to some very effective firefighting by the first crews to arrive, the fire has been contained and suppressed.

"Although the fire has now been brought under control, it is likely that we will be here for the rest of the day."

Firefighters have used an aerial monitor, three jets and two sets of breathing apparatus. Relief crews will be starting to arrive at around 7.30am, and up to four appliances will remain at the scene this afternoon.

Broad Street is currently closed - it is not yet known when it will be reopened.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to thank the Emmanuel Church, in Broad Street, Chesham, for providing refreshments and helping look after the people who were evacuated.