A significant fire at Forest Gate police station in East London prompted a response from around 175 firefighters and 30 fire engines after it broke out on Wednesday afternoon. The London Fire Brigade was able to control the fire, which resulted in the total destruction of the station’s roof but caused no injuries. The incident, which is currently not being treated as suspicious, saw the fire originating on the building’s third floor.
The operation to quell the blaze involved the use of aerial ladder platforms and drones, helping to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. Superintendent Dan Card has assured the public that the policing services in Newham, the area where the station is located, will continue as normal, prioritizing community safety. Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke, and several roads were temporarily closed.
The cause of the fire is subject to an ongoing investigation. Despite the severe impact on the police station, authorities have stated that there have been no injuries and the policing response in the area remains unaffected. Mayor Sadiq Khan is in contact with the fire commissioner, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the efforts to manage the aftermath effectively.
In a separate incident in South London, disruptions were caused when a train struck a fallen tree at West Wickham, leaving commuters, including a cancer patient, stranded for three hours. London Fire Brigade and engineers attended the scene, with the incident leading to numerous train cancellations and delays. Southeastern Railway has encouraged affected customers to claim compensation for the inconvenience.
