Hackney flat fire: Photos show damage to building

A major fire at a four-storey block of flats in east London caused significant damage to the building’s roof, London Fire Brigade (LFB) says.

Fifteen fire engines and some 100 firefighters were called to Dalston Lane in Hackney at 17:21 BST on Wednesday. The blaze was under control by 19:25.

About 50 people were evacuated to St John’s Church, with none being able to return to their homes yet. One person was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.

LFB assistant commissioner Keeley Foster described it as “an extremely busy and challenging scene”.

She added: “Although significant damage has been sustained to the building’s roof, firefighters’ hard and professional work has helped restrict the amount of damage caused to flats within the block, though some properties have sustained some fire and smoke damage.”

About half of residents in the Peabody-managed estate stayed with friends and family while the rest were put up in an emergency hotel.

The cause of the fire, which was attended by crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green and Walthamstow, is under investigation.

LFB said it received more than 35 calls from members of the public about the blaze.

Tracy Packer, Peabody’s managing director for north-east London, thanked the emergency services, council, local church and the community.

She said: “We’re working with the relevant agencies to assess the damage to the building and look at when people might be able to safely return.

“While it’s too early to determine the cause of the fire, we will support the emergency services with their inquiries.”