A fire erupted in a building in east London, mere hours after a blaze consumed a tower block in Dagenham on Bank Holiday Monday. Footage circulating on social media platform X shows thick black smoke pouring from one of the high-rises at New Providence Wharf, near the River Thames.
Flames seem to be raging inside an apartment in Charrington Tower, a 45-storey structure completed in 2016. A witness who posted the video online described the scene: “Bannisters and glass falling off the cladding. Entire apartment engulfed in flames.”
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed the deployment of 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines to the site, where half of a flat and its balcony on the 25th floor were ablaze.
Tower block fire in London
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In a statement, LFB reported, “Two of the Brigade’s aerial ladders, including a 64-metre turntable ladder, were deployed to support firefighters as they carried out their response.” The fire generated substantial smoke, prompting local residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid Biscayne Avenue if possible. A local resident noted hearing an alarm around 1.25pm this afternoon.
An eyewitness added, “Around 1.25pm an alarm rang out when I noticed smoke billowing from the apartment. Debris and pieces had fallen from the balcony, glass shattered and caused the fire to expand, engulfing the space, with flames reaching out as the wind carried the smoke. The fire brigade arrived 20 minutes later and were tackling it from the adjacent apartment around 1.52pm.”
Crews from Millwall, Plaistow, Shadwell, and nearby fire stations attended the scene. LFB confirmed the fire is now “under control,” though traffic disruptions in the area are expected as crews depart.
The cause of the fire at New Providence Wharf remains unknown. This incident follows another major fire in Dagenham, where over 100 people were evacuated and two hospitalised. At least 20 individuals had to be rescued by fire crews.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Standard reports a massive fire in Dagenham, East London, with over 200 firefighters battling the blaze, evacuating over 100 residents, and two people taken to hospital. The fire engulfed scaffolding and parts of the building, with authorities investigating fire safety issues and advising residents to keep windows closed.(read more)
- The New York Times reports on a major fire in east London that forced the evacuation of over 80 people, recalling the deadly Grenfell cladding scandal.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where did the fire in east London occur?
The fire occurred at New Providence Wharf, near the River Thames.
How many firefighters were deployed to the scene?
70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were deployed.
Is the fire at New Providence Wharf under control?
Yes, the fire is now under control.
What time did the alarm go off for the fire?
The alarm went off around 1.25pm.
How can I submit a story or media to Metro.co.uk?
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