- Over 200 firefighters tackle blaze at Dagenham tower block covered in non-compliant cladding.
- More than 100 people, including children, evacuated; two hospitalized.
- Emergency services on scene since early morning, with significant search and rescue operations underway.
A devastating fire erupted at a tower block in Dagenham, east London, during the early hours of a bank holiday Monday.
The London Fire Brigade reported that the building was undergoing work to address its fire safety issues, which included the removal of the problematic cladding.
East London Tower Block Fire: Over 200 Firefighters Respond to Blaze with Extensive Evacuations
In a dramatic turn of events, a tower block in Dagenham, east London, caught fire in the early hours of the bank holiday Monday. The fire, which has seen more than 200 firefighters at the scene, broke out at a building with non-compliant cladding. This cladding had previously raised safety concerns and was in the process of being removed when the blaze occurred.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the tower block had multiple fire safety issues, which had been flagged in a fire enforcement notice from the previous year. The swift response from emergency services helped manage the crisis effectively, with firefighters arriving within five minutes of the initial call.
More than 100 residents, including children, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Emergency crews managed to treat four patients on-site, with two requiring hospital treatment. The extensive search and rescue operation continues as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about building safety and the importance of addressing fire hazards. The situation is being closely monitored, with efforts focused on ensuring the safety of all affected individuals and preventing further damage.
The fire at the Dagenham tower block is a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent fire safety measures and proper building regulations. The swift response by emergency services likely prevented further harm, but the incident highlights ongoing issues with building safety and cladding compliance.
“Non-compliant cladding” has been a significant issue in fire safety, as evidenced by the ongoing crisis in Dagenham.
