On the same day the highly anticipated Grenfell Tower inquiry report was published, emergency services are battling a serious blaze at a block of flats in Catford, southeast London.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were dispatched to the scene on Rosenthal Road, where two flats on the ninth and tenth floors are currently alight. The brigade has received nearly 50 emergency calls related to the fire.
In a statement, the London Fire Brigade said: “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are tackling a fire at a block of flats on Rosenthal Road in Catford. Two flats on the 9th and 10th floors of the building are currently alight. Rushey Green remains closed between Rosenthal Road and Honley Road and people are advised to avoid the area whilst firefighters work to bring the fire under control.”
The fire brigade was called at 12:51, and crews from Forest Hill, Greenwich, Deptford, and Lee Green are currently at the scene. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
The timing of the incident, coinciding with the release of the Grenfell Tower inquiry findings, adds to the heightened scrutiny on fire safety measures across high-rise buildings in the capital. More updates on the Catford fire are expected as emergency services work to contain the situation.
This is a developing story, and further details will be provided as they emerge.
Related: Government ignored warnings about fire risks in high-rise buildings, Grenfell report finds
