A major fire has broken out in a mixed-use residential and commercial building in Dagenham, east London, prompting a massive emergency response. More than 200 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze, which has affected multiple floors of the tower block.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was alerted to the incident at approximately 2.44am. The fire has engulfed parts of the ground to sixth floors, as well as the surrounding scaffolding and the roof of the building.
Two people have been rushed to hospital, whilst two others received treatment at the scene. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson stated, “We dispatched a significant number of resources, including ambulance crews, incident response officers, an advanced paramedic in critical care, and our hazardous area response team (HART). London’s Air Ambulance was also called to assist.”
Station Commander Alan Bendell, who is overseeing the operation, warned local residents to keep their windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke. “We’re utilising two of our 32-metre turntable ladders as aerial water towers to combat the fire from above,” he added.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Freshwater Road, where the building is located, has been closed to traffic, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area.
As firefighters continue their efforts to bring the blaze under control, investigations into the origin and cause of the fire are expected to begin once it is safe to do so.
