A major incident has been declared after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Dagenham, east London, where there are “known” safety issues, with more than 100 people evacuated and two taken to hospital.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was carrying out a “major search and rescue operation” after being called to the fire on Freshwater Road at 2.44am on Monday.
The London Fire Brigade added that 45 fire engines and around 225 firefighters were called to the blaze, which had engulfed the entire commercial and residential complex, including the scaffolding and roof surrounding the building.
Work was underway to remove substandard cladding from the apartments, the BBC reported.The fire brigade added that the building had “several fire safety issues” that authorities were aware of. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
Rest centres have been set up for residents as search and rescue efforts continue.
The Home Secretary thanked firefighters and other emergency workers for their “bravery and swift response”.
Yvette Cooper said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating fire in Dagenham and I would like to thank the London Fire Brigade and emergency services at the scene for their brave actions and swift response,” adding that ministers had been kept up to date on the incident.
Four people were treated at the scene and two were taken to hospital, the London Ambulance Service said.
At about 7:30 a.m., fire officials reported heavy smoke from the fire and advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed.
A local councillor said the “horrific scene” had been avoided with “minimal” injuries thanks to the quick response of emergency services.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Law said he had declared a major incident so the fire service could focus resources on battling the blaze.
He added: “There are several fire safety issues within the building which are known to the London Fire Brigade. All occupants of the building were evacuated immediately and a major search and rescue operation is underway.”
“Police have put in full strategic preparations to deal with the incident and a break centre has been set up at Becontree Health and Leisure Centre.
“LFB officers are present at the rest centre to assist residents.”
Drones were used in the firefighting effort, along with 64-metre and 32-metre rotating ladders as lookout points for inspecting the scene and dropping water from the air, Mr Lo said.
Dinesh Raj, whose six-year-old daughter was at a sleepover with friends in the building when the fire started, told the BBC that his children were “calm now” but were initially “terrified.” Mr Raj said he received a call from a friend looking after his daughter at around 3am to tell him there was a fire in the building.
Raj said he rushed to the scene in his car and as soon as his friend’s family smelled smoke they jumped out of the car clutching their six-month-old baby and daughter.
One person living on the ground floor of the building told the BBC he was woken in the early hours by a neighbour frantically banging on the doors of every apartment in his corridor, saw “exploding” flames and was relieved to have made it out safely.
Crews from Dagenham, Ilford, Romford, Barking and surrounding fire stations were called to the scene and Freshwater Road remains closed to traffic, with the LFB urging people to avoid the area if possible.
Margaret Mullane, Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham; I said it with X“Terrifying scenes in Dagenham this morning as @LondonFire tackles a fire on Freshwater Road.
“Thanks to their quick response there were minimal injuries and I will be visiting the rescue centre today to see what support we can provide to the residents and businesses who have lost everything.”
