Roof collapses as huge fire tears through east London flats

People could be heard shouting ‘get out’ as a fire tore through a block of flats next to a primary school in Hackney this evening.

Roughly 100 firefighters arrived on Dalston Lane to tackle the flames, which are ‘now under control’, according to London Fire Service, which remains on the scene.

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by ambulance crews. No other injuries have been reported.

Affected residents have been moved to a nearby church, with the fire service working with the local council to support them.

Pictures show the roof of a four-storey building on Dalston Lane caving in as smoke billows into the air.

Residents have been warned to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.

The fire is believed to have started around 5.20pm. Its cause is not yet known.

James, a nearby resident, told Metro.co.uk: ‘There was a weird smell in the air, then a few minutes later I heard people outside my house shouting, “get out”.

‘That’s when I checked and saw what was going on.

‘It looks like it was mainly affecting the roof so it might not have been immediately visible for most people.’

One shopkeeper across the road said: ‘My colleagues noticed that the street looked foggy, so we went ahead and took a look.

‘We noticed that there was smoke rising and that’s when we thought this is clearly a fire. The first fire truck came pretty quickly.’

Some 15 fire engines arrived on the scene at Dalston Lane where a road closure was put in place.

In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on Dalston Lane in Hackney.

‘Part of a four-storey block of flats, including the roof, is alight.

‘The fire is producing significant amounts of smoke. People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

‘A road closure is in place in Dalston Lane and people are urged to avoid the area whilst the incident is ongoing.

‘The Brigade’s Control Officers have received more than 30 calls about the fire.

‘The Brigade was called at 1721. Crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

‘Crews are being supported at the scene by a 32 metre turntable ladder.

‘The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.’

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