London, 26 August 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) – More than 100 people have been evacuated and two taken to hospital as a fire engulfed a building in Dagenham, East London, with “known” safety issues.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they are carrying out a “significant search and rescue operation” after being called to the blaze on Freshwater Road at 2:44 am (0144 GMT) on Monday.

Forty five engines and around 225 firefighters are responding to the fire that has engulfed the whole mixed-use commercial and residential building, including scaffolding surrounding the property and the roof, the LFB added.

At around 7:30 am, the fire service said the blaze was producing heavy smoke and advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said the LFB had declared a major incident to allow the service to focus its resources on the fire.

He continued: “The building has a number of fire safety issues known to London Fire Brigade.

“A full simultaneous evacuation of the building was immediately carried out and a significant search and rescue operation is under way.”

“The brigade has stood up full strategic arrangements to deal with the incident and a rest centre has been set up at Beacontree Health and Leisure Centre.

“LFB officers are stationed at the rest centre to support residents,” he added.

New drones are being deployed to tackle the blaze, along with 64-metre and 32-metre turntable ladders that are being used as vantage points to assess the scene and to douse the flames with water from above, Roe said.

Crews from Dagenham, Ilford, Romford, Barking and surrounding fire stations are in attendance at the scene while Freshwater Road remains closed to traffic.

The LFB are urging people to avoid the area where possible.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.