Firefights were called to a high-rise building fire on Whitechapel High Street, Aldgate, in Central London as flames and smoke surrounded the 17th floor
More than 100 firefighters were called to deal with a fire on the 17th floor of the high-rise building on Whitechapel High Street, Aldgate, in Central London, on Monday 7th March.
We’re dealing with this fire on #WhiteChapel High Street. Ten fire engines & 70 firefighters are at the scene. Please avoid the area if possible. https://t.co/KM59RSlaK4
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 7, 2022
60 residents were safely evacuated and one woman was trapped – she was rescued with a fire escape hood to stop toxic air.
The London Ambulance Service issued an update: “We took two patients to hospital, and treated a further two patients at the scene.”
Shards of glass fell from around 20 floors and hit the ground below. People in the local area were advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
Grenfell Tower fire evacuation strategy was in place
The high-rise building, known as Houblon Apartments, is managed by Network Homes. A fire risk assessment in September 2020 stated that the evacuation strategy at the time was to “stay put”, the same strategy that was in place at Grenfell Tower.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Fire investigators will remain at the scene to investigate all aspects of the fire and determine the cause.
Firefighters remain at the scene of the fire at a block of flats and offices in #Whitechapel this morning. Our fire investigators will also begin their work today to investigate all aspects of the fire and determine what caused the blaze https://t.co/4HgrqulRjG pic.twitter.com/lNM6Prp9S0
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 8, 2022
