100 firefighters tackle blaze at block of flats in Hackney

Around 100 firefighters have been scrambled to tackle a blaze raging for more than two hours at a block of flats in Hackney, northeast London.

Part of the four-storey building – including the roof – was on fire, with large plumes of smoke seen rising from the residential building.

After bringing the fire under control some two hours after being called to the blaze on Dalston Lane at 5:21pm, having received more than 30 calls about the fire, London Fire Brigade said one person had been treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, but that there were no further reports of any injuries.

As the fire raged, the road was cordoned off and people in the nearby area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to protect themselves and their homes from the smoke.

People were urged to avoid the area – situated close to Hackney Downs station – while the incident unfolded, and the street was blocked off between A104 Pembury Road and Clarence Road, with the 30 and 56 buses diverted, BBC London reported.

In an update at 7:50pm, the fire service announced it had brought the blaze under control – but said crews would remain on scene throughout the evening fully extinguishing the fire and dampening down.

Fire crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations were all called to the blaze, and were supported at the scene by a 32-metre turntable ladder, London Fire Brigade said.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is being investigated, the fire service said.

Early footage posted on social media appeared to show a large and concerned crowd gathered outside the building as a thick plume of smoke rose into the sky and filled parts of the street below.

In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been at the scene of a fire on Dalston Lane in Hackney.

“Part of a four-storey block of flats, including the roof, was alight. The fire has been producing significant amounts of smoke and people in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed.

“The fire has now been brought under control by firefighters but crews will remain on scene throughout the evening fully extinguishing the fire and dampening down.

“One person has been treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation. There have been no further reports of any injuries at this time. A number of affected residents have been relocated to a nearby church and the Brigade is liaising with the local authority to support these residents.

“The Brigade’s Control Officers received more than 30 calls about the fire.

“The Brigade was called at 1721 and the fire was brought under control by 1925. Crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. Crews have been supported at the scene by two 32 metre turntable ladders.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”