Newham Council has praised emergency services for quick action following a fire which broke out in a 10th floor flat at Scott Housing in Plaistow this morning.
The London Fire Brigade have confirmed, following an investigation, the blaze was caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery.
The block’s containment structure – which prevents fire from spreading to neighbouring flats – worked well. Because of this structure the block operates within the national ‘stay put’ policy, which means fire alarms are not fitted in communal areas but have alarms in individual flats, encouraging residents to remain where it is safest for them to be, until helped to evacuate
Thankfully no one was injured in the incident, with only one person suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.
Residents are returning to their homes in a phased way from a council established rest centre – while the Council concludes inspections of the most seriously affected flats. The majority of damage was caused by water damage as a result of firefighting efforts and smoke.
A small number of residents unable to return by tonight will be fully supported by the council with accommodation and financial help until they can do so.
