Blaze Breaks Out at London’s Pan Peninsula Tower
A fierce fire erupted on the sixth floor of Pan Peninsula Tower, London, this evening at around 8pm, sending thick smoke billowing across the iconic East Tower in Millwall.
Firefighters Rush in to Tackle Flames
Multiple London Fire Brigade crews, including five engines and 30 firefighters, were swiftly dispatched after smoke was spotted pouring from an apartment. Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and established a bridgehead on the fourth floor to attack the blaze directly.
The entire tower was evacuated as a safety precaution, with residents and staff safely shepherded to assembly points amid chaos.
Two Rescued, No Injuries Reported
Fire crews managed to rescue two residents from the burning flat, which suffered damage to five rooms. Remarkably, there are no reports of injuries, though the full casualty assessment is ongoing.
London Fire Brigade control officers gave crucial fire survival guidance over the phone to neighboring flats, helping residents stay safe ahead of the firefighters’ arrival.
Cause Linked to Electrical Fault – Smoke Alarms Failed
An investigation revealed the fire was likely accidental, sparked by an electrical fault. Shockingly, smoke alarms in the flat did not activate, a failure the Brigade spokesperson stressed was dangerously common.
“This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts,” the spokesperson said.
They urged everyone to install smoke alarms in every room where fires could start, except kitchens and bathrooms where heat alarms are better suited.
Road Closures and Safety Warnings
Authorities have closed roads around Pan Peninsula Square to ease emergency access and warned locals to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation. Commuters are advised to steer clear of the area while fire crews complete their work.
The London Fire Brigade is expected to release an official statement with more details soon. The fire was finally brought under control by 9.53pm.
