The fire in Plaistow is now under control.(Image: London Fire Brigade)
London Fire Brigade received over 30 calls to the 10th floor flat on Queens Road West which broke out around 8am this morning.
Three men left the flat before the Brigade arrived, and two were treated on scene by the London Ambulance Service.
Around 30 people evacuated from the building, with firefighters carrying out a systematic search of the affected floors. There were no reports of any further injuries.
The interior and balcony of the three roomed flat were both destroyed by the fire.
Balconies on the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th floors, directly above the fire, were also heavily damaged by flames.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 9am, with around 70 firefighters from East Ham, Plaistow, Stratford and surrounding fire stations at the scene.
The Brigade’s fire investigation team believe the fire was started accidentally, caused by the failure of a lithium battery.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are responding to a fire at a residential block on Queens Road West in #Plaistow.
Traffic in the area will be impacted as crews respond. More information to follow. https://t.co/2BZJxqTstz
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) October 21, 2024
The London Fire Brigade have issued advice on ways you can reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries.
Advice includes reducing the risk of overheating by allowing them to cool down before attempting to re-charge. The Brigade says “Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
“Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried. Do not continue to use a damaged battery.
“Batteries should also never be exposed to extremes of temperature.
“Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.”