HERO residents banged on neighbours’ doors to warn them after a raging fire erupted in a block of flats in London.
The blaze is understood to have broken out in a four-storey block of flats on Dalston Lane, Hackney, at around 5.20pm on Wednesday.
Emergency services brought the flames under control by around 8pm, as hundreds of horrified onlookers watched the chaotic scene.
Terrified residents were evacuated from their properties as heavy smoke clouds pumped into the air and flames continued to rise for nearly three hours.
Eyewitness Nicola, 39, told the Standard: “Everyone was banging on doors trying to get people out. We were shouting to get people out.
“Residents were banging to get their neighbours out.”
The witness claimed to see at least 20 people fleeing the building while screaming.
Footage revealed the evening sky full of smog as crowds gathered outside.
The blaze completely ravaged several top floor flats, leaving just a few charred roof beams precariously in place.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
There had been 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters battling the inferno.
Crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.
Firefighters were supported by a 32-metre turntable ladder to help extinguish the inferno.
A heavy blue light presence remains in the area and road closures are in place.
Locals were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed they treated one person for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Several affected residents were also relocated to a nearby church while the Brigade organised support with the local authority.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman confirmed: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been at the scene of a fire on Dalston Lane in Hackney.
“Part of a four-storey block of flats, including the roof, was alight. The fire has been producing significant amounts of smoke and people in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
“The fire has now been brought under control by firefighters but crews will remain on scene throughout the evening fully extinguishing the fire and dampening down.
“One person has been treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation.
“There have been no further reports of any injuries at this time. A number of affected residents have been relocated to a nearby church and the Brigade is liaising with the local authority to support these residents.
“The Brigade’s Control Officers received more than 30 calls about the fire.
“The Brigade was called at 1721 and the fire was brought under control by 1925. Crews from Homerton, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. Crews have been supported at the scene by two 32 metre turntable ladders.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
