Ten fire engines deployed to shopping centre as vehicle fire sends significant smoke across east London
Shoppers at the Westfield shopping centre have been evacuated after a fire broke out in the car park this afternoon.
Seventy firefighters rushed to the shopping centre in Stratford, east London, after a fire broke out involving multiple vehicles on an upper level of the multi-storey car park. Ten fire engines were deployed to the scene on Montfichet Road following the vehicle fire.
Images and footage online showed people flooding out of the popular shopping centre as it was evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Emergency Response
Reports of the blaze were first received by emergency crews just after 4pm today. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that multiple vehicles had caught fire on an upper level of the multi-storey car park.
The service said: “A number of vehicles are currently alight on an upper level of the car park. The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and we’re advising people to avoid the area at this time.”
“The Brigade received the first of 35 calls at 16:05 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Stratford, Poplar, Leytonstone and surrounding fire stations to the scene,” the statement continued.
Major Deployment
A 32-metre turntable ladder was also dispatched to the scene to help assist firefighters with extinguishing the fire from above. The specialist equipment allows firefighters to tackle blazes in hard-to-reach areas of multi-storey structures.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze at the multi-storey car park at Westfield Shopping Centre on Montfichet Road in Stratford.
Shopping Centre Evacuation
The entire shopping centre was evacuated as a precaution whilst firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Witnesses reported seeing crowds of shoppers being directed out of the building by security staff and emergency services.
The fire produced a significant amount of smoke that was visible across the area, prompting the London Fire Brigade to advise people to avoid the vicinity of the shopping centre whilst crews worked to make the scene safe.
Electric Vehicle Suspected
According to reports from UK News in Pictures, the vehicle involved is believed to be an electric model, possibly a Tesla, although this has not yet been confirmed by officials. Electric vehicle fires can be particularly challenging for firefighters due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries.
The London Fire Brigade stated that crews are expected to remain on site for some time to damp down and carry out safety checks. Motorists have been warned to expect disruption to parking and local traffic around the shopping centre.
Public Safety Warning
The Brigade has urged members of the public to avoid the area whilst emergency services deal with the incident. The significant amount of smoke being produced by the fire poses potential health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
There are no immediate reports of injuries from the incident, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Traffic Disruption
The fire has caused significant disruption to the area, with emergency service vehicles blocking access roads around the shopping centre. Local bus services have been diverted, and motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes.
The shopping centre, one of Europe’s largest urban shopping destinations, attracts millions of visitors each year and is a major transport hub for east London, with connections to the London Underground, Overground, DLR, and national rail services.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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