Over 200 firefighters battle fierce blaze at east London tower block

Early on bank holiday Monday, a tower block in east London was engulfed in flames. The building has been evacuated due to "non-compliant cladding," affecting over 100 individuals, including children.

A massive fire has broken out in Dagenham, east London, prompting a swift response from over 200 firefighters. Two individuals have been rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

More than 100 people, including children, have been evacuated in what authorities call a "significant search and rescue operation."

According to the London Fire Brigade, the building in question is a mixed-use residential and commercial building flagged for several fire safety concerns.

A planning application from 2023 revealed that the building was covered in cladding that did not meet compliance standards.

Scaffolding had been erected around the building to facilitate the removal of the cladding at the time of the fire.

A thick column of smoke billowed into the air as a massive fleet of 40 fire engines and a staggering 225 firefighters swiftly mobilized to the scene.

Emergency services were alerted at approximately 2:44 a.m. the initial response teams arrived at the tower block within five minutes.

According to the London Ambulance Service, four patients received treatment at the scene, and two were transported to the hospital.

The fire had a widespread impact on the entire building, reaching even the scaffolding and roof.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities have declared it a major incident.

"I saw flames rising toward us."

Kasia, who had lived in the building for six years, could not hear a fire alarm as she escaped.

Instead, she informed me that she was awakened by loud banging.

As I rose from my slumber, I glanced out the window only to be met with a harrowing sight - flames rapidly ascending towards our balcony.

I urgently woke my partner and informed them about a rapidly spreading fire.

After hastily getting dressed, they swiftly grabbed their belongings and escaped.

As we hastily evacuated the building, a glaring absence of any fire alarm was evident.

The chaotic scene unfolded before us: concerned neighbours gathering, smoke billowing from the doorway. Amid the confusion, we exchanged worried glances and urgently checked on others while realizing the alarming absence of warning signals. "Nothing," he said.

Kasia expressed her difficulty reaching out to her neighbours, noting that she couldn't hear any response when she attempted to knock on their doors. She speculated that perhaps they had left for the long weekend.

When asked about her future, she expressed relief at having escaped unharmed but expressed concern about the possibility of not having a place to return to.

Mohammed, a resident on the sixth floor, said that he did not hear a fire alarm and had to evacuate the building with only his clothes.

A fire broke out in the building where Dinesh Raj's daughter was staying for a sleepover with a friend.

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Raj recounted receiving a phone call in the early morning hours. Without hesitation, he promptly got into his car and went to pick up his daughter and her friends.

"They had a six-month-old baby as well, so they were able to swiftly secure the baby and my daughter and evacuate the building," he recounted.

According to him, most residents were able to evacuate before the fire began to spread.

"However, all of their belongings remain inside the building, and there is a complete lack of information regarding the incident."

A complete evacuation

According to London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe, the building was promptly evacuated.

According to his statement, the authorities employ drones and 64-metre turntable ladders to combat the fire.

Emergency services continued to be heavily present at the scene until Monday morning.

A rest centre has been established at the Becontree Heath Leisure Centre.

The fire produces heavy smoke, and residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, released a statement in response to the fire.

In response to the significant fire incident in Dagenham, she expressed sympathy for all those affected. I thank the London Fire Brigade and all the emergency services on the ground for their courageous actions and prompt response.

In April 2023, authorities issued a fire enforcement notice about the building.

One of the issues that stood out was the failure to ensure the provision and maintenance of sufficient and marked emergency routes and exits.

The level of compliance remains to be determined.

According to local MP Margaret Mullane, the injuries sustained from the fire were reported to be "minimal." Mullane also mentioned her plan to visit the rest centre later in the day.

Even as Monday morning progressed, small fires continued to flicker on the roof of the building.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident in London during the early morning hours.

A significant deployment of resources was made to the scene, which included the presence of hazardous area response team members and an air ambulance.