60 firefighters tackle major blaze at high-rise flats in east London

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighter were called to tackle a huge blaze at a block of flats in east London.

Part of the first floor was alight at the high-rise in Commercial Street, Spitalfields on Sunday morning.

London Fire Brigade said there are significant road closures between Aldgate High Street and Commercial Street, which are impacting the surrounding area.

“People are advised to continue to avoid the area if they can,” a spokesman said.

Control officers took 21 calls regarding the blaze, the first at 11.39am.

LFB said it was under control by 12.21pm

Spitalfields: Commercial Street is closed between A11 Whitechapel High St/ Aldgate East Station and Fashion St following a flat fire.
-Around 60 firefighters tackled the fire at a block of flats.
-The fire was under control by 12:21.
-Bus route 242 diverts.#BBCLondonTravel pic.twitter.com/2ccYtM8mtB

— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) June 16, 2024

Crews from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known,” the brigade added.