A huge fire tore through a block of flats in east London last night forcing an emergency evacuation, as one resident was led to safety.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters raced to the scene near Mount Pleasant Lane in Clapton just after 8pm.
Drone footage shows thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as crews swarm the area.
Striking drone footage captures the scale of the inferno, as smoke could be seen for miles, in areas such as Elephant and Castle and Walworth.
Crews carried out a search of the building and brought at least one resident to safety, London Fire Brigade said.
They were assessed by emergency services at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.
Around 20 residents were “displaced” by the blaze and took refuge at a respite centre.
As of 7.30am this morning, the fire had been brought under control, but the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
It is not believed to have been started deliberately, the LFB said.
There have been no reports of casualties.
Clapton fire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Og1APEm8U
— Sir Apex Tv Official (@SirApexTv) May 6, 2026
The fire involved a four-storey block of maisonettes, the LFB said.
One maisonette on the ground and first floors of the building was destroyed by fire. A further five flats sustained partial damage.
The external fascia and balcony of a flat on the second and third floors was also damaged.
Due to the large amount of smoke being produced, the LFB advised people in the local area to keep their windows and doors closed, but this has now been lifted.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris Jenner, who is the Commander for the North East Area, said: "Crews were met with a well-developed fire, which was spreading. The conditions inside the maisonette that was mostly alight were challenging and firefighters worked professionally and safely to bring this part of the fire under control as swiftly as possible. Firefighters worked exceptionally hard and quickly to prevent the fire spreading and causing significant damage to other flats in the building.
Mount Pleasant Lane, Clapton @LondonFire@LFBDroneTeam
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Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire on Mount Pleasant Lane in Clapton
The fire is affecting a block of maisonettes
As of 22:15 hrs, crews are continuing to tackle a fire in a… pic.twitter.com/2TufsgFRVA
“After arriving on scene, crews carried out a full search of the building. Several residents had already safely evacuated the building, with one person led to safety by firefighters.
“Working alongside the local authority and other agency partners, a rest centre was set up locally for around 20 displaced residents, who were supported by officers and our Community Engagement team. Some of those residents were able to return home overnight with those unable to return home left in the care of the local authority. Over the coming days, we will continue to engage with the local community and carry out home fire safety visits in the area.”
He added: “An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing by our Fire Investigation Team and the Metropolitan Police; however at this stage, we do not believe the fire was started deliberately.”
The Brigade received the first of 65 calls about this fire at 20.04 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Stoke Newington, Tottenham, Homerton and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
A 32-metre turntable ladder was also in attendance.
The fire was brought under control by 11pm last night.
