A devastating fire ripped through a block of flats in north Woolwich, East London, on Thursday night as 70 firefighters fought valiantly to extinguish the inferno. The blaze, which erupted on the 10th floor of a high-rise building on Rymill Street, sent plumes of orange and black smoke billowing into the night sky.
Shocking footage from the scene captured the intensity of the flames and the scale of the emergency response. The London Fire Brigade received almost 30 emergency calls about the fire, which broke out just after 10:30pm.
Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters from Plaistow, Barking, East Ham, Poplar, and other nearby areas rushed to the scene. The first responders worked swiftly to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of the building’s residents.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Rymill Street in North Woolwich. Part of a five-roomed flat on the 10th floor was alight. Three people left the building before the Brigade arrived, whilst others remained in their unaffected flats. They are being treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire was brought under control by 11:50pm, but the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
A bystander captured the horrific blaze on camera, showing the dramatic scene as firefighters battled the flames. Residents and onlookers expressed their shock and concern as they watched the fire spread through the building.
The fire blazed on the 10th floor of the block, and the smoke was visible from miles away,” said one eyewitness. It was a massive fire, and it looked really scary. The fire crews were quick to respond, and they worked tirelessly to get it under control.
Impact on Residents
Three residents managed to evacuate the building before the firefighters arrived, while others were advised to stay in their flats that were not affected by the fire. London Ambulance Service crews provided medical treatment to those who needed it on the scene.
Fire Investigation
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials have launched an investigation to determine what sparked the blaze. The rapid response and coordination of multiple fire crews were crucial in preventing the fire from spreading further and causing more damage.
Public Safety
Fire crews have asked the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues and cleanup efforts are underway. The swift action of the London Fire Brigade and other emergency services undoubtedly saved lives and minimized the damage.
