Wembley block of flats evacuated as firefighters battle roof blaze

In a dramatic turn of events, a massive fire broke out in a block of flats in Wembley, northwest London, with more than 125 firefighters mobilized to control the inferno. The incident unfolded on Elm Road, Wembley, triggering the response of twenty fire engines to the scene.

The fire, which originated in the building’s roof, prompted the evacuation of the affected block and a nearby structure as a precautionary measure. London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that all residents were accounted for following the evacuation.

The emergency services were alerted to the blaze around 4:40 pm, and firefighting efforts extended for approximately five hours before the situation was brought under control. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities stating, “People were advised to avoid the area as crews responded.”

Two of the Brigade’s 32-meter turntable ladders were deployed as water towers to assist in extinguishing the flames. Despite the severity of the fire, trains and tubes ran smoothly from Wembley Central station, which serves National Rail services and the Bakerloo Line.

Nearby residents were cautioned to keep doors and windows shut to stay safe from any smoke in the area. Bus routes were diverted due to the incident. Wembley Stadium, located a short walk from the affected flats on Elm Road, was not hosting any events at the time.

As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, questions about the safety of high-rise buildings and the effectiveness of emergency response measures come to the forefront. This incident follows a recent fire in Liverpool where more than 50 firefighters responded to a burning building, emphasizing the importance of fire safety protocols in residential areas.