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The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued an official update following a major blaze that broke out on Sunday evening at a residential building on Leman Street in Aldgate.
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene after emergency services received the first of 15 calls reporting the fire at 5:43pm on April 20.
The fire affected two flats on the sixth and seventh floors of the multi-storey building. Eleven people were led to safety by firefighters during the incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time.
Swift Response
Borough Commander Lucy Macleod, who was on site during the operation, praised the crews for their rapid and coordinated response.
“Crews acted swiftly to bring the fire under control, but will remain on site this evening to damp down remaining hotspots,” she said.
“Road closures are currently in place, and there is significant congestion in the surrounding area. We urge the public to avoid the vicinity while we continue to work to make the scene safe.”
“One of the Brigade’s 64-metre turntable ladders was used as an observation tower, providing a crucial vantage point for incident commanders during the response,” she added.
Extensive Deployment
Firefighters were mobilised from stations including Whitechapel, Shadwell, Shoreditch, Dowgate, Bethnal Green, and others nearby. The fire was brought under control by 7:33pm, less than two hours after the first call was received.
LFB confirmed that the cause of the fire is now under investigation, and specialist teams are working to determine how it started.
Support for Residents
The London Fire Brigade is working closely with local authorities and support agencies to assist residents who were affected by the fire. Many of the evacuees were offered temporary shelter while crews assessed the safety of the building.
Traffic Disruptions
Road closures remain in effect, with significant congestion reported in the Aldgate area and surrounding parts of central London. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area for the time being.
Public Advice
LFB is urging anyone who may have information or footage of the fire to contact authorities. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
For emergency updates and road closure information, follow @LondonFire and @TfLTrafficNews on social media.
