Flat fire - Canning Town

Twelve engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Barking Road in Canning Town. 

Part of two flats on the seventh floor of a residential block were damaged by fire. Part of another adjacent flat was also damaged by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 13 calls to the blaze and gave vital fire survival guidance to those inside the building on how to stay safe whilst crews tackled the fire.

Station Commander Alex Strand, who was at the scene, said: "On arrival, flames were visible coming out from the flat.

"Initial crews gained access quickly and worked incredibly hard to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further."

The Brigade was called at 0911 and the fire was under control by 1110. Fire crews from Poplar, Plaistow, Millwall, Stratford and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. 

Firefighters' smoking safety tips

• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
• Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.