Massive Fire in Dagenham High-Rise Forces Over 100 Residents to Evacuate
In the early hours of today, a devastating fire broke out at a high-rise building on Freshwater Road in Dagenham, East London, leading to the evacuation of more than 100 residents. The fire, which began around 2:44 AM, quickly engulfed the building, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and triggering a massive emergency response.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed around 225 firefighters and 40 fire engines to the scene in a desperate effort to control the blaze. The fire was particularly intense, with flames consuming parts of the building up to the sixth floor and involving scaffolding that surrounded the structure. This scaffolding was reportedly in place for ongoing work to remove non-compliant cladding on the fifth and sixth floors, which might have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Station Commander Alan Bendell, who was on-site, advised local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke. The firefighting operation is still ongoing, with firefighters using two 32-meter turntable ladders and drones to tackle the flames from above. Despite the intensity of the fire, the LFB has reported that no major injuries have occurred so far, although two people have been taken to the hospital, and four others were treated at the scene.
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The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and a major incident has been declared to ensure that all necessary resources are focused on managing the situation. The building, described as a mixed-use residential and commercial property, was already known to have several fire safety issues, according to London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and frightening situation. One resident, whose daughter was visiting friends in the building, recounted how they were awakened by the smell of smoke around 3 AM and quickly evacuated, carrying a six-month-old baby to safety. For many of the evacuees, the fate of their belongings remains uncertain as they wait for the fire to be fully extinguished and the building to be deemed safe.
Emergency services have set up a rest center at the Beacontree Health and Leisure Centre for displaced residents. As the firefighting efforts continue, Freshwater Road remains closed to traffic, and the area is expected to be cordoned off for some time.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of fire safety in high-rise buildings, particularly those undergoing construction or renovation. As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all affected residents and preventing further tragedies.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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