Deptford fire: 80 firefighters tackle blaze at flats as smoke seen across London
Footage shows sixth-floor flat and part of roof alight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Around 80 firefighters are tackling a blaze at a block of flats in south-east London.
Plumes of smoke were pictured rising from the tower block in Deptford on Wednesday evening.
The London Fire Brigade tweeted: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been called to a fire at a block of flats on Childers Street,” the London Fire Brigade tweeted.
In a later update, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 80 firefighters and 12 fire engines were at the scene.
"Half of a flat on the top floor of a six-storey block and half of the roof are alight”, a statement said.
"The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have taken 35 calls to the fire. The Brigade was called at 1926".
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, the statement added.
Station Commander Emma Carr, who is at the scene, said: “Two people left the affected flat and firefighters evacuated the rest of the block as a precaution due to the amount of smoke.
“There are no reports of any injuries at this stage.
“This is a challenging incident due to the fire being in a roof hatch and firefighters are working hard to bring it under control.
“Aerial ladder platforms are being used to tackle the blaze in the roof from height.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments