More than 200 firefighters are working to extinguish a significant blaze at a block of flats in London. The London Fire Brigade reported that forty fire engines and around 225 firefighters are at the scene of the fire, located on Freshwater Road in Dagenham. The building affected is described as a mixed-used residential and commercial structure. Flames and smoke have been spotted emanating from the building, with the fire spreading to different levels including the ground to the sixth floors and the roof.
Station Commander Alan Bendell, who is supervising the situation, advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke being produced by the fire. Two of the Brigade’s turntable ladders are being utilized as aerial water towers to assist in tackling the fire from higher vantage points. The area surrounding Freshwater Road has been closed to traffic for safety reasons, and residents are urged to avoid the vicinity if possible.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, with fire crews from Dagenham, Ilford, Romford, Barking, and neighbouring fire stations mobilized to address the situation. A drone has been deployed by the London Fire Brigade to assess the fire and determine the most effective firefighting strategies. London Ambulance Service reported treating four individuals at the scene, with two of them subsequently transported to a hospital. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.
Residents are being kept informed with the latest updates on the blaze, as efforts continue to bring the situation under control. The safety and wellbeing of individuals in the area are a top priority as emergency services work diligently to resolve the fire incident.
This marks a critical operation for the emergency services involved, with the collaborative efforts of firefighters and paramedics ensuring a swift response to the unfolding situation at the block of flats in Dagenham, London.