Dozens of firefighters and 10 fire engines were called to a massive blaze in a high-rise building in east London this afternoon. It was the second such blaze in the capital in just a few hours.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 70 firefighters were called to the scene of the fire in Blackwall. Horrifying footage shows flames and black smoke rising from the 43-storey building in a residential area near the Blackwall Tunnel.
Smoke was rising from the middle of Charrington Tower, and the LFB said the fire broke out this afternoon in half an apartment on the 25th floor and on its balcony.
Video taken at the scene of the fire shows a thick black column streaming out of a window moments after a resident said they heard the fire alarm.
Witnesses said they saw smoke carried into the sky by the wind and broken glass and debris falling from apartments when the alarm went off at around 1.25pm. They added: “The alarm was sounded at approximately 1:25pm and smoke was noticed coming from the apartment.
They added: “Debris and debris fell from the balcony, shattering glass and causing the fire to spread and engulf the room, while the wind carried the smoke and flames. Fire crews arrived 20 minutes later and began battling the blaze from an adjacent apartment at approximately 1:52pm.”
Biscayne Avenue, block of Blackwall. Half of the apartment and balcony on the 25th floor of the 45-story building are on fire. The fire produces a lot of smoke. Residents in the area are advised to close windows and doors and avoid Biscayne Boulevard if possible.
“The Brigade’s 999 dispatchers responded to more than 100 emergency calls regarding the fire. The Brigade’s first emergency call was made at 1.28pm. Crews from Millwall, Plaistow, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations are on scene. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.”
The fire was reported hours after hundreds of firefighters battled an early morning blaze and blaze at a high-rise building in Dagenham, east London. 225 firefighters were called to the scene and 100 people were evacuated.
Fire crews have responded to the scene of a fire in Dagenham. Two people have been taken to hospital.
The fire service said all occupants of the building have been found.