Police said the fire was on the third floor of an east London police station and firefighters were using four high-altitude machines to “extinguish the fire from a height”. Work is expected to continue into the evening.
Wednesday 6 March 2024 22:49 UK
More than 170 firefighters are battling the blaze at a police station in east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the roof of Forest Gate police station was “completely ablaze” and more than 30 fire engines and 175 firefighters were called to the scene.
Emergency services were called at 4.17pm on Wednesday and firefighters may continue to operate into the night.
by Metropolitan Police Departmentthe fire occurred on the third floor of the building and there were no reports of injuries.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan posted on X that people should “avoid the area” and keep their windows and doors closed.
Commander Kyle Gordon, of Newham Police, said: “Police operations continue as normal at Forest Gate.”
“The fire is still active and the scene is expected to remain for some time,” he added.
“We are working with London Fire Brigade and partners to minimize the impact on the local area.”
LFB said firefighters were using three 32-meter-long turntable ladders and one 64-meter-long ladder to “fight the fire from a height.”
Former Metropolitan Sergeant and police commentator Graham Wetton said the damage to the building was “catastrophic”, based on images shared on social media.
read more:
Dozens of firefighters attend fire in west London
Double-decker bus crashes into pub near London’s Oxford Street
He said it was an “important patrol base” in downtown London, adding:[The] Met has a business continuity plan, but this will be difficult for some time. ”
The cause of the fire is unknown.