Construction Site Fire Safety Under The Spotlight
Seven people were hospitalised following a construction site fire in Canning Town, Newham, on June 4, 2024. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received approximately 30 calls about the fire, which started shortly after 8 am. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham, and nearby stations responded to the scene, where they found a ground-floor commercial unit of a 10-storey building under construction engulfed in flames.
Thick black smoke enveloped the site. An LFB spokesperson advised, “The fire has been producing significant amounts of smoke. People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible.”
Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters tackled a fire near Silvertown Way in Canning Town. The fire occurred at a 10-storey construction site, where a ground floor commercial unit was partially damaged. A 64-metre turntable ladder was deployed, and one person was rescued by firefighters using a 13.5-metre ladder. Eight people evacuated the building before the Brigade arrived, seven of whom were taken to the hospital by London Ambulance Service crews due to smoke inhalation.
The fire produced significant amounts of smoke, prompting advice for local residents to keep windows and doors closed. The Brigade received around 32 calls about the fire, with the first call taken at 8:23 am. The fire was under control by 9:36 am. Firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham, and surrounding stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service. Newham Council also issued an update on social media for residents: “There is currently a serious fire incident on a construction site opposite Canning Town bus station. Police and Fire Service are on scene carrying out an evacuation of the surrounding buildings. Please evacuate the scene if you have been asked for your safety.”
Multiple ambulance crews, incident response officers, and a Hazardous Area Response Team supported the fire crews. LFB reported that eight people evacuated the building before emergency services arrived, while one person was rescued by firefighters using a 13.5-meter ladder.
The London Ambulance Service transported seven people to the hospital for smoke inhalation. A spokesperson told the Standard, “Our first paramedics arrived on scene in less than three minutes. We treated 10 people in total. We took seven patients to hospital and discharged three patients at the scene.” The cause of the fire is under investigation, with support from the Metropolitan Police Service. Fire risk assessments are a critical element for every scenario before, during and after construction. SS Systems have a complete service for your scenario. Please contact one of our team for a consultation.
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