Residents were evacuated from their apartments on Monday morning after a fire broke out in east London.
Plumes of smoke could be seen in the sky after the blaze began at a shop, with has flats above it, on Hackney Road shortly before 8am. Residents were evacuated from their apartments shortly after.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled that fire after reports that part of the roof of the building was alight. At least 40 calls were made and crews were sent from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho, Dowgate and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
A 32-metre turntable ladder was used at the scene to act as a water tower to tackle flames from height. The blaze was brought under control by 8:47am but smoke could be seen from several miles away.
Officials on the scene told The Independent that it appeared some decking had caught fire at the rear of an apartment. Fire investigators will examine what caused the blaze after it is put out.
Metropolitan Police were also on the scene, with a cordon in place on Hackney Road in both directions between the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Cremer Street.
The fire service said people should avoid the area where possible this morning.
London Fire Brigade said in a statement: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire at a shop with flats above on Hackney Road in Hackney.
“Part of the roof of the building was alight. One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to tackle flames from height.
“Road closures remain in place on Hackney Road in both directions between the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Cremer Street. People are encouraged to continue to avoid the area where possible this morning.
“The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 40 calls to the fire at 7:53am and sent crews from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho, Dowgate and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 8:47am.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
