London firefighters battle blaze at iconic Koko music venue

Jan. 7 (UPI) -- London firefighters saved one of the city's most famous music venues from destruction Tuesday after it became engulfed in flames, officials said.

The London Fire Brigade said in a statement that eight fire engines and some 60 firefighters battled flames at the Koko night club on Camden High Street throughout the night.

"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," Station Commander Jon Lewis said. "Fire crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning."

Authorities said they received 22 calls about the fire Monday night and crews had it under control within hours. The London Fire Brigade said it saved 30 percent of the roof.

"Hard work and dynamic action has helped prevent significant escalation and fire spread," said brigade official Jonathan Smith.

Previously known as Camden Palace, the famed north London music venue of performances by Madonna, Prince and others was closed for renovations at the time of the fire.

The venue website said it was undergoing "a major state-of-the-art transformation" after the purchase of two adjacent buildings and was set to reopen in the spring.

"Hugely grateful to [the London Fire Brigade] for their swift response, but devastated by the potential loss of such a huge part of Camden's culture," local councilor Oliver Cooper said.