Blaze Hits Spitalfields Flat Roof – Six Fire Engines Rush In
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters battled a fierce roof fire at a flat on Brick Lane, Spitalfields yesterday (May 3rd).
Half the Roof Destroyed, Ducting Gone Up in Flames
The blaze gutted half the roof of a first-floor flat in a three-storey building, which houses a restaurant below with flats above. Ducting running from the ground floor all the way to the roof was completely destroyed.
Accidental Fire Caused by ‘Hot Works’ – No Smoke Alarms Found
The fire is believed to have started by accident during “hot works” – any task that produces heat, sparks, or flames capable of igniting a fire.
Shockingly, there were no working smoke alarms in the property. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned, “This incident is a timely reminder about the importance of having smoke alarms in your home. Not having working smoke alarms leaves you and your loved ones at risk.”
“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. As a minimum, you should have smoke alarms on every floor – in the hallways and the rooms you use most, plus heat alarms in the bathroom and kitchen.”
Fire Under Control After Nearly Two Hours
Fire crews from Dowgate, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Shadwell, Soho, and Stoke Newington rushed to the scene after 999 calls flooded in. The Brigade received nine calls before arriving at 2:20pm and had the fire under control by 4:07pm.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area while firefighters tackled the blaze.
