Barking fire: 100 firefighters tackle blaze at block of flats in east London

Two people treated for smoke inhalation but no other injuries reported

Around 100 firefighters tackled a large fire at a block of flats in east London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the blaze spread across six floors of the apartment building in Barking.

Twenty flats were destroyed by fire and another ten were damaged by the heat and smoke.

One man and one woman were treated on scene for smoke inhalation but no other injuries were reported.

The LFB said the cause of the fire was being investigated.

Fifteen fire engines and crews from nearby stations attended the scene in De Pass Gardens from around 3.30pm.

Footage of the fire showed flames engulfing what appeared to be wooden balconies on the outside of the block.

One witness tweeted a picture of the block and said: “Fire at Barking river side @LondonFire need help.”

Twitter user Venilia Batista Anorim described the fire as “huge” and claimed that the builders had assured the residents association that the wood cladding “was fire retardant and perfectly safe”.

Another tweeted: “My heart is absolutely shattered on seeing the fire in Barking Riverside – despite the residents complaining on the use of wood on the flats being dangerous.”

Residents were evacuated from the building and roads were closed off to the public.

Station manager Andy Maloney said: “Crews worked really hard to put the fire out.

“Any residents who are affected by the fire are advised to go to the rest centre at Thames View Community Centre on Bastable Road. Transport is available from De Pass Gardens to take people there.”

The fire brigade said the blaze was brought under control shortly after 6pm.

Additional reporting by PA