26 Evacuated as Massive Blaze Tears Through Shops and Flats in Newham
A fierce fire ripped through a row of shops on Sherrard Road, Newham, forcing 26 people to flee their homes. Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines battled the blaze that tore through three shops and several flats above.
Fire Spreads Rapidly Across Multiple Properties
The London Fire Brigade was called out at 10:24pm to tackle the flames at a mid-terraced shop with flats above. The fire quickly spread into four neighbouring shops and two flats on the first floor, causing serious damage to the ground floors of all properties involved.
Firefighters Deploy Full Arsenal to Fight Blaze
A spokesperson for the Brigade revealed the fire was tricky to control due to its spread through old shop premises in different directions. Crews used breathing apparatus to search the buildings, aerial appliances for observation, and even deployed a drone for a better vantage point.
The fire spread through several old shop premises and was difficult to gain control of due to it spreading in different ways,” said the London Fire Brigade.
Residents Escape Safely, One Treated for Smoke Inhalation
Before firefighters arrived, about 26 residents evacuated safely. One man was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation by fire crews. Firefighters continued working late into the night, finally bringing the fire under control by 3:06am.
Massive Emergency Response from Across London
- Fire crews from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow, East Ham, Ilford, Barking, Dagenham, Walthamstow, Millwall, Homerton, Stoke Newington, Whitechapel, and Leyton were on site.
- The Brigade will remain overnight and into the next day to damp down the area and prevent flare-ups.
- Police and fire investigators are now probing the cause of the blaze.
This terrifying fire has left the local community shaken but relieved no lives were lost. Authorities vow to get to the bottom of what sparked the blaze.
