More than 200 firefighters are currently responding to a massive blaze that broke out in a tower block in Dagenham, located in east London. The London Fire Brigade is conducting a significant search and rescue operation as over 100 people, including children, have been evacuated from the building. The fire has resulted in two individuals being taken to the hospital for treatment.
The building in question has been identified as a mixed-use residential and commercial structure and was known to have various fire safety issues. A planning application from 2023 revealed that the building was covered in “non-compliant” cladding, and the scaffolding surrounding the structure was in place to remove the cladding when the fire erupted.
Upon the arrival of emergency services, plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky. A total of 40 fire engines and 225 firefighters have been deployed to the scene. The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the incident at around 2:44 am, and the first response crews arrived at the tower block within five minutes.
The London Ambulance Service reported that four patients were treated at the scene, with two individuals requiring further medical attention at the hospital. The fire has impacted the entire building, including the scaffolding surrounding it and the roof. At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting authorities to declare a major incident.
Dinesh Raj, a resident whose daughter was present in the building during the fire, recounted the harrowing experience. He shared with Sky News, “I got a call around 3 am, so I came and picked them up. I managed to take my daughter and my friends to my home. They’re all safe. I think they started smelling smoke around 3 am and learned there was a fire. They had a six-month baby as well, so they managed to grab the baby and my daughter and get out of the building.”
Raj continued, “I think the majority [of residents] managed to step out before the fire started spreading. But everything they have is back in the building, and we have no clue what happened.” The emotional toll of such an event on the affected residents is immeasurable, as they grapple with uncertainty and loss.
As the fire continues to produce heavy smoke, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed. London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe emphasized the immediate evacuation of the building and the ongoing search and rescue operation. Control Officers have handled numerous calls related to the fire, providing crucial fire survival guidance to those in need.
The London Fire Brigade is leveraging new equipment such as drones and turntable ladders to assess the situation and deliver water onto the fire from above. These advanced tools aid incident commanders in managing the crisis effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the London Ambulance Service dispatched a large number of resources to the scene, including members of the hazardous area response team and an air ambulance.
The aftermath of the fire necessitated the establishment of a rest center at the Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, where displaced residents could seek refuge and support. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed solidarity with those impacted by the fire, commending the bravery and swift response of the emergency services on the ground.
Local MP Margaret Mullane assured the public that injuries from the fire were minimal and announced plans to visit the rest center to assess the situation firsthand. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, pockets of fire could still be observed burning on the roof of the building into the early hours of the morning.
In the face of such a devastating incident, the community and authorities are rallying together to provide assistance, support, and reassurance to those affected. The resilience and unity displayed in times of crisis underscore the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the area. The collaborative efforts of emergency services, local officials, and community members serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity during challenging times.