A woman and a child escaped their 17th-floor flat in Poplar, east London, early on September 12, 2026, before the property was engulfed in flames. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to the residential block, located across the Thames from the O2 Arena, at 4:35am.
Fire crews and evacuation details
Around 70 firefighters from stations across east London attended the scene. The LFB reported that the fire damaged a two-room flat and a balcony on the 17th floor of a 22-storey residential building. The woman and child left the flat before the brigade arrived.
In addition, approximately 50 other residents evacuated the building prior to the brigade's arrival and were taken to a rest centre. The LFB confirmed the fire was brought under control by 6:41am.
Investigation underway
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the London Fire Brigade. No injuries have been reported, and the rest centre remains available for displaced residents.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks of high-rise residential fires in London, prompting renewed attention to fire safety measures in tower blocks.
