More than 170 residents had to be evacuated from a high rise London tower block on Thursday when a blaze broke out on the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters were scrambled to the blaze in Lewisham, south east London.
Eye witness reports suggested that the fire broke out at the 20-storey Roma Corte building in Elmira Street, near Lewisham train station, just after 4am.
The fire brigade say it received 16 calls to the fire at around 4.14am and they had the fire under control by 5.23am.
Some residents claimed on Twitter the block’s fire alarms did not go off.
Caleb Parker tweeted: “Not the best way to wake up this morning!
“But thankful for the firefighters who kept this from spreading this morning, and neighbours who banged on each others door since the fire alarm did not sound. Kudos to the police too for their professionalism. #LewishamFire”
Charlotte Hill posted: “Fire in our block of flats this morning – emergency evacuation alarms ‘failed’, evacuated by friendly neighbours, all safe and well #fire #lewisham #barratthomes”
A four-roomed flat on the 13th floor was the only property said to have been damaged in the fire.
London Fire Brigade say a sprinkler system was activated and suppressed the fire.
Around 180 people evacuated the building before firefighters arrived and there have not been reports of any injuries.
Firefighters from Lee Green, Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill, Lewisham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/grenfell-tower-blaze-inquiry-starts-with-emotional-tribute-to-youngest-victim/21/05/
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/opinion/firefighter-gives-first-hand-account-grenfell-tower-rescue-mission/19/06/