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A massive fire erupted on the River Lea near Wick Lane in Bow, East London, on Sunday night, completely destroying a five-tonne canal boat. The blaze prompted a significant response from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), which has since issued a warning about the dangers of exploding gas cylinders during such incidents.
The fire broke out around 10:07 PM on August 4, with firefighters receiving more than ten emergency calls from concerned residents. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, with crews from Homerton, Bethnal Green, Stratford, and other nearby stations working to control the fire.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire had destroyed the narrow boat and that a gas cylinder found at the scene was removed and cooled to prevent it from exploding. Some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat,” the spokesperson warned, highlighting the potential danger posed by such incidents.
A video shared on social media by local resident Sarah Louise captured the dramatic scene, showing thick smoke billowing from the canal and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. The fire was eventually brought under control by 11:23 PM, more than an hour after it started.
The cause of the fire is under investigation,” the LFB added, as they continued to examine the circumstances leading up to the blaze.
The incident has raised concerns among residents living along the canal, with many expressing relief that no one was injured. The LFB’s swift response and handling of the situation have been widely praised, particularly their efforts to safely manage the potentially hazardous gas cylinder.
As investigations continue, the LFB has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or potential fire hazards, particularly in areas where gas cylinders or other flammable materials are stored.
