More than 100 firefighters at Forest Gate Police Station are working to extinguish the fire.
Hundreds of police officers and staff worked through the night to ensure “normal policing” continued after a massive fire broke out at a London police station.
Approximately 175 firefighters and 30 fire trucks were called to the Forest Gate fire station from around 4pm Japan time on Wednesday.
Metropolitan Police Inspector Kyle Gordon said it was a “difficult night” for officers and staff, with “many people losing their jobs” and belongings.
Approximately 60 people were evacuated from the building and no one was injured.
Forensic evidence stored in lockers and refrigerators has been removed by police and firefighters and will be evaluated within the next few days.
Supt Dan Card explained in a media briefing that staff “lost personal items in the fire, including their wedding rings and car keys.”
He said many people were working “beyond their shift hours to support the emergency response.”
Four long turntable ladders were deployed to assist in fighting the fire from the air, and a drone was used to provide firefighters with good visibility.
Fire brigade officials said the investigation into the cause of the fire, which started on the third floor, could be “protracted,” but police said the fire was not considered suspicious.
The Metropolitan Police said its force continues to provide a “full police service” to local communities, combining support from local forces and teams across London.
Police say that while police stations are closed, those who plan to return to police stations on bail will be contacted and informed of alternative arrangements.
The front desk of Stratford Police Station will also be open to the public.
CDR Gordon added: “We understand that Newham residents may be concerned, but we would like to reassure them that our local team will continue to provide a full range of services to keep residents safe.” I want to,” he added.
According to the fire brigade, firefighters worked to protect “vital police property” from the blaze.
He said: “It has been a difficult night for Met staff and employees, many of whom have lost their jobs and face uncertainty about the fate of their belongings, but thankfully those based at Forest Gate Police Station have There were no injuries,” he said.
“This shows how much the Met family and partners are able to support each other during a really difficult time and I would like to thank everyone involved.”
The Met said it was redeploying teams from nearby areas, using other buildings as patrol bases.
Police officers are also being provided with alternative equipment.
Firefighters said the roof of the police station was completely destroyed.
Firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow and other nearby fire stations were sent to assist local crews.
London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Pat Goulborne said: “This was a difficult incident for firefighters as the fire started on the roof of the police station.”
“Throughout the incident, our crews were concerned about the potential for the fire to spread to adjacent properties.
“Thanks to their hard work, we were able to prevent it and the fire was confined to the police station.”
He added that professional fire investigators will begin investigating the cause.
“Due to the scale and nature of the incident, the investigation may be lengthy.”