More than 100 people have been evacuated and two taken to hospital after a fire engulfed a block of flats in Dagenham, east London, with “known” safety issues, The Guardian reports.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was carrying out a “significant search and rescue operation” after being called to the blaze in Freshwater Road at 2.44 a.m. on Monday morning.
Forty-five engines and around 225 firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze, which engulfed the entire mixed-use commercial and residential building, including the scaffolding surrounding the building and the roof, the LFB added.
Work was underway in the building to remove non-compliant cladding on the flats, the BBC reported, and the fire brigade said the building had “a number of fire safety issues” that officials were aware of. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
While search and rescue efforts continue, a respite centre has been set up for residents of the building.
Bravery and rapid response
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper thanked firefighters and other emergency services staff for their “bravery and rapid response.” The London Ambulance Service said four people were treated at the scene and two were taken to hospital.
At around 7.30 a.m., the fire service said there was heavy smoke coming from the fire and advised people to keep windows and doors closed.
Local MP Margaret Mullane said the “horrific scenes” left people with minimal injuries due to the quick response of the emergency services.
LFB Commissioner Andy Roy said he declared a major incident so the service could focus its resources on the fire. He also added:
“The building has a number of fire safety issues known to London fire brigade. A full simultaneous evacuation of the building was immediately carried out and a significant search and rescue operation is under way. The brigade has stood up full strategic arrangements to deal with the incident and a rest centre has been set up at Becontree health and leisure centre. LFB officers are stationed at the rest centre to support residents.”
Drones were deployed to tackle the fire, as well as 64m and 32m turntable ladders, which were used as vantage points to assess the situation and pour water on the flames from above, Roe said.
