London Fire Brigade (LFB) said crews were battling the blaze in Manwood Street, North Woolwich, which appeared to be at the top of a block of flats of around 18 storeys. An apartment on the building’s 17th floor is on fire, while crews are also battling a second fire involving about a hectare of grass across the block. According to a statement from the LFB, it has received more than 105 calls to the fire. Fire crews from Shadwell, Dowgate, Dockhead, Shoreditch and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. London Ambulance Service said it sent “a number of resources to the scene, including advanced paramedics and our hazardous area response team”. The causes of the fire have not yet been ascertained. It comes as around 41 properties, including homes and warehouses, have been destroyed in the capital as Tuesday’s heatwave saw the busiest day for the London Fire Brigade (LFB) since the Second World War, according to Sadiq Khan. Working in 40C heat on Tuesday, firefighters took around 2,600 emergency calls and responded to more than 1,000 fire calls, London’s mayor told Sky News. Of the 16 firefighters who suffered “heat injuries,” two were treated, LFB Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Smith said. Both have since been released. The LFB announced a major incident yesterday as firefighters battled several major fires across the capital.
