A huge fire ripped through a block of flats in Barking Riverside this afternoon, with local witnesses claiming the blaze started from a barbecue. The fire tore through six floors of the building on De Pass Gardens, leaving dozens of residents homeless.
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters rushed to the scene after the London Fire Brigade received the call at 3.31pm. Flames engulfed flats from the ground floor up to the sixth floor and even spread to nearby properties.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed that crews from Barking, Dagenham, East Ham, and surrounding areas battled the fire for several hours. “The block is still alight,” they said. Fire investigators have now taken over to determine the cause of the fire.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that a barbecue was being used just moments before the fire started. While the official cause has not yet been confirmed, fire experts are investigating the possibility that the barbecue sparked the flames.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no injuries have been reported. Officers are assisting with road closures around the area to ensure public safety while firefighters continue their work.
Residents affected by the fire are currently seeking emergency accommodation as the investigation into the blaze continues.
Originally published by UKNIP.
