Flames are pouring out of a tower block in east London. Approximately 70 firefighters with 10 fire engines are combating the blaze in Queens Road West, Plaistow. The fire is situated in a flat on the 10th floor of a 15-storey building. Both the balcony and interior of the flat are engulfed in flames.
This residential block is near the John F Kennedy School, Plaistow Primary School and Children’s Centre, and St Mary the Virgin Church. Around 30 residents have been evacuated. Three men exited the flat before the fire brigade arrived and are receiving treatment from ambulance crews.
Thick black smoke can be seen billowing into the sky. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) stated that traffic disruptions are expected as crews will be on-site throughout the morning. Over 30 emergency calls were made, with the first fire engines arriving shortly after 8am.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters respond to a fire at a residential block on Queens Road West in Plaistow, London pic.twitter.com/StLfskwTaI
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) October 21, 2024
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The fire was controlled by about 9am and is under investigation by specialist fire investigators. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed they received a call at 8.09am regarding the fire.
Ambulance resources, including the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and an incident response officer, were dispatched. Crews arrived within two minutes. Two patients were treated, with one man taken to hospital as a priority, while the other was treated at the scene.
A major fire incident was declared in east London just months ago when a blaze tore through a block of flats in Dagenham. Over 200 firefighters responded to that incident, which affected the ground floor, sixth floor, and roof. Or ongoing updates, follow Metro.co.uk on social media or sign up for daily push alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where is the fire in east London?
The fire is in a flat on the 10th floor of a 15-storey building on Queens Road West, Plaistow.
How many firefighters are tackling the blaze?
Approximately 70 firefighters with 10 fire engines are combating the blaze.
Were any residents evacuated?
Yes, around 30 residents have been evacuated.
What time did the fire brigade arrive?
The first fire engines arrived shortly after 8am.
Is the cause of the fire known?
No, the cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation.