Massive Blaze Rips Through East London Tower Block
Seventy firefighters and ten fire engines were scrambled to tackle a fierce blaze on the 9th floor of a highrise in Bow, East London. The fire erupted at Gayton House on Chiltern Road late Saturday night.
Firefighters Battle Flames Inside Tower Block
Crews were called out at around 10.33pm after at least 22 calls to the emergency services reporting visible flames. A Bridgehead control point was quickly set up inside the building. Teams wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire from within, using hose reels to battle the flames.
A massive 64-metre turntable ladder and two command units were deployed to assist. By 11.49pm the fire was under control, but two teams continued searching the property to ensure everyone’s safety.
Residents Evacuated as Fire Rages
About 50 residents self-evacuated the 19-storey tower before firefighters arrived. Others stayed in unaffected flats. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are tackling a flat fire on Chiltern Road in Bow. The whole of the flat on the ninth floor is alight. The Brigade’s 999 Control took 22 calls to the visible blaze. Around 50 people self-evacuated the 19-storey block before the Brigade arrived. A number of other residents remained safely in their unaffected flats.”
Fire Cause Under Investigation
The origins of the fire remain unknown and are currently under investigation. Firefighters from Stratford and nearby stations responded swiftly to bring the blaze under control and ensure no one was seriously hurt.
