November 8, 2024

Dozens of residents evacuate as fire engulfs East London high-rise

Dozens of residents evacuate as fire engulfs East London high-rise

More than 100 people have been evacuated from a block of flats in Dagenham, East London, after a fire tore through the building early this morning. 

Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze at the Freshwater Road high-rise, which is a residential and commercial building.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was called to the scene at 2.44am, with 40 fire engines and around 225 firefighters working to bring the fire under control. 

Crews from Dagenham, Ilford, Romford, Barking and surrounding fire stations remain at the scene.

The brigade said parts of the scaffolding surrounding the building, as well as the ground floor and the roof, were alight.

Station Commander Alan Bendell, who is at the scene of the fire, said: “The fire is producing heavy smoke and we’re advising local residents to keep windows and doors closed.

“Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders are being used at the scene as aerial water towers to assist with tackling the fire from height.

“Freshwater Road is closed to traffic, so please avoid the area where possible.”

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