CALLOUS thieves looted the burnt-out homes of residents forced to flee from a devastating timber yard fire.

Dozens of people were evacuated from properties in Penge High Street, Penge, near Bromley, after the fire broke out in neighbouring Express Timber and Building Centre at around 7am on Valentine’s Day.

More than 40 firefighters and 10 appliances battled the blaze for most of the morning, and nearby St John’s Primary School and Penge Library were both closed for the day.

But as families fled their homes for safety, thieves wasted little time in breaking into the charred properties and rifling through the owners' belongings.

Frank Dasilvera was one of the people affected by the blaze. He said: “I find it unbelievable that some people could come into our flat and steal from us after we have been through this.

“Our DVD player, laptop, desktop computer and printer were all taken. It was a very scary time and the whole day was very traumatising.

“Everything in the flat is wet or burnt by the fire and we have had to be put into temporary accommodation in Croydon.”

The 32-year-old told of seeing huge clouds of black smoke out of his bedroom window while his baby slept on the morning of the fire.

He said: “When we first saw the fire out of our window, my girlfriend and I just grabbed our baby and got out of the building as quickly as possible.

“I tried to come back in with the firemen to get my passport, wallet and mobile phone but the place was filled with smoke.”

Picking through burnt clothes and charred shoes, Mr Dasilvera added: “The kitchen and living area were not damaged but we have lost pretty much everything else.

“I lived with my cousin and girlfriend and we were very worried for my baby when we saw the fire. I hope everything is fine now and the council find somewhere permanent for my family to live.”

Bromley council estimates it helped around 32 adults and children affected by the blaze, and has provided alternative accommodation for half a dozen households.

Steve Lewis, the council’s emergency planning manager, said: “We have a well rehearsed emergency procedure that swung into action soon after the fire was reported as it was clear that a number of people, including children, would not be able to return to their homes and needed to be taken care of.

“We were able to provide bedding, transport, food and drink and other items to meet their needs overnight.

“On Friday, more detailed assessments were made and alternative accommodation provided for those unable to return to their home.”