Firefighters Douse Early Morning Blaze on Canning Town Balcony
Six fire engines and 40 firefighters from East London scrambled to tackle a fierce blaze on Barking Road in Canning Town early Monday morning. The fire, believed to have started from a discarded match on a third-floor balcony, was contained swiftly, preventing a disaster.
Barking Road Shut as Fire Crew Battles Flames
The busy Barking Road remains closed both ways while London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews work to fully extinguish the fire near Rathbone Market. A specialist aerial ladder joined the operation shortly after the alarm was raised just after 2am.
Firefighters used two hose reels and a powerful jet to quash the flames bursting behind the building’s cladding. Thermal imaging cameras were deployed to scan for hidden hot spots, ensuring the blaze was completely out.
Rescued Resident Suffers Minor Smoke Inhalation
The fire was contained to the third-floor balcony, limiting damage mostly to that area and some water damage on the flat below. One resident was rescued by crews and treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, and other tenants remained safely in their flats.
LFB Issues Smoking Safety Warning After Blaze
“We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it,” warned an LFB spokesperson.
“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life.”
The Brigade urged smokers to always put cigarettes out properly, preferably outside, using stable ashtrays. They cautioned against smoking in bed or on sofas, especially when tired, under medication, or after drinking alcohol.
Fire Under Control Within an Hour, Investigation Underway
The LFB was called at 2.04am and had the fire under control by 3.09am. Firefighters from six stations, including Poplar, Plaistow, Stratford, Millwall, East Ham, and Shadwell, joined the effort. Fire investigators are now probing the exact cause of the blaze.
