TOWER BLAZE
Huge fire erupts at tower block opposite O2 arena as black smoke billows from flat into the sky
Residents were warned to be ready to evacuate
A HUGE fire has erupted at a tower block opposite the O2 arena with plumes of black smoke seen billowing into the sky.
The blaze could be spotted from a balcony at New Providence Wharf, just off the Thames near Canary Wharf in east London.
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London Fire Brigade raced to the block of flats after receiving 26 calls alerting them at around 8.47pm.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters arrived at the scene on Fairmont Avenue.
A three-bedroom flat on on the 13th floor of the 20-storey building had set alight.
The fire service said that a man has been treated by the London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.
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They confirmed that the blaze was fully under control by 9.15pm.
A resident of Tower Hamlets posted on Facebook: "Flames reducing I have been told but be ready to evacuate.
"Second fire at this block where fire visible from the balcony, last fire showed major fire safety issues in the block."
London Fire Brigade confirmed on X that they were responding to a blaze in Tower Hamlets.
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A spokesperson said: "We’ve been called to a fire at a block of flats at New Providence Wharf on Fairmont Avenue in Tower Hamlets.
"More info soon."
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It remains unconfirmed how the fire started.
London Fire Brigade later released a full statement: "Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a flat fire at New Providence Wharf in Poplar.
"A small part of a three-roomed flat on the 13th floor of the 20 storey building was damaged by fire.
"A small part of the flat's attached balcony has also been damaged by the blaze.
"One man was treated on scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.
"The Brigade's 999 Control officers received 26 calls alerting them to the fire.
"They deployed crews from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations.
"The Brigade was first called at 2047 and the fire was under control by 2115.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
Footage of the blaze on social media shows thick black smoke pouring out of the 20-storey tower block.
Facebook users have taken to the comments to express their shock and concern.
One wrote: "Oh, no! Please be safe everyone."
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Another added: "Hope it’s out and everyone safe!"
A third said: "So scary! Hope no one is injured!"
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