- Tower block fire prompts 100+ evacuations in Dagenham
- Non-compliant cladding removal already in progress
- Significant rescue operation, two hospitalized, cause unknown
A tower block in east London caught fire during the early hours of Monday, a bank holiday. More than 100 people, including children, were evacuated after it was covered in “non-compliant cladding.”
More than 200 firemen are responding to a fire in Dagenham, east London, and two people have been transported to the hospital.
A “significant search and rescue operation” is underway, and over 100 individuals, including children, have been evacuated.
The London Fire Brigade stated that the building, characterized as a mixed-use residential and business structure, has “several fire safety issues.
A 2023 planning application states that the building was covered with “non-compliant” cladding.
When the fire started, the scaffolding around the structure was already in place to remove the cladding.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as 40 fire engines and 225 firefighters arrived.
Emergency services were notified at about 2.44 am, and the first crews arrived at the tower block within five minutes.
The London Ambulance Service reported that four victims were treated on the spot, and two were brought to the hospital.
The fire affected the entire building, including the scaffolding and roof.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but a serious incident has been declared.
Dinesh Raj’s daughter was having a sleepover in the building with a friend when the fire broke out.
Mr Raj stated: “I received a call about 3 am, so I came and took them up.
I was able to bring my kid and other friends to my house. They are all safe.
I believe they smelled smoke at 3 am and discovered a fire.
“They also had a six-month-old baby, so they got the baby and my daughter out of the building.”
The bulk of residents were able to evacuate before the fire spread.
But everything they had is back in the building, and we have no idea what happened.
The fire is causing considerable smoke, so residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe stated, “A full simultaneous evacuation of the building was immediately carried out, and a significant search and rescue operation is underway.”
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“The Brigade’s Control Officers have responded to 16 fire calls, successfully providing crucial fire survival advice to several victims.
We also utilize modern equipment, such as drones and our 64- and 32-meter turntable ladders, to provide incident commanders with a vantage point for surveying the area.
They are also utilized as water towers, directing water onto the fire from above.
The London Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene at 2.52 am.
They dispatched a substantial contingent of resources to the scene, including the hazardous area response team members and an air ambulance.
Emergency services were in the area well into Monday morning.
A rest area has been built up at the Becontree Heath Leisure Centre.
Local MP Margaret Mullane stated that injuries from the fire were “minimal” and that she would visit the rest center later in the day.
