High-Rise Balcony Blaze Rocks Blackwall Tower
A fire tore through a balcony and part of a flat on the 25th floor of a towering Blackwall block yesterday afternoon. The blaze broke out just before 1:30pm on Monday, August 26, 2024, on Bacayne Avenue.
Firefighters Rush to Scene — No Injuries Reported
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) revealed that a small section of a five-room flat inside the 45-storey building caught fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and firefighters had the blaze under control by 2:50pm.
Calls flooded in — more than 110 alarmed residents and witnesses rang 999. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters from nearby stations including Millwall, Plaistow, and Shadwell scrambled to the scene.
Giant Ladder Used to Tackle the Flames
Firefighters deployed a 64-metre turntable ladder as a lookout tower to get on top of the situation. The fire was being treated as accidental, believed to have started from unsafe disposal of smoking materials, most likely a cigarette.
Fire Brigade Issues Stern Warning on Smoking Safety
In the wake of the blaze, London Fire Brigade issued a crucial safety reminder. “If you smoke, it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray,” a spokesperson said.
“Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on, which could potentially start a fire.”
The LFB continues to stress fire safety in high-rise buildings, urging caution with smoking materials to avoid repeats of such dangerous incidents.
