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Woman and baby treated as 100 firefighters tackle Walthamstow blaze

More than 30 people were evacuated as 15 fire engines responded to the blaze.

Eric Williams
Thursday 15 May 2025 17:53 BST
The London Fire Brigade said that more than 100 firefighters were involved in efforts to get the fire under control (File photo/Victoria Jones/PA)
The London Fire Brigade said that more than 100 firefighters were involved in efforts to get the fire under control (File photo/Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire)

A woman and baby were among more than 30 people who fled a blaze at a block of flats in east London on Thursday.

The fire broke out at a block of flats on Collendale Road in Walthamstow, with parts of the roof and two flats on the fifth and sixth floor setting alight.

Around 36 people were evacuated from the building as a result of the flames and 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters were involved in efforts to bring the fire under control.

The baby and woman were been treated at the scene and discharged by the London Ambulance Service.

Two of the London Fire Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were used at the scene and videos on social media showed firefighters being lifted above the building amidst billowing plumes of smoke as water towers were used to help fight the fire from above.

Crews from Walthamstow, Tottenham, Hornsey and surrounding fire stations were sent to tackle the blaze.

The London Fire Brigade said the fire was under control shortly before 4.30pm and they were investigating its cause, with crews to remain on the scene into the evening.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.44pm to reports of a fire on Collendale Road, Walthamstow.

“We sent resources to the scene, including a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer, a clinical team manager and members of our hazardous area response team.”

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