A fire involving approximately 200 lead acid batteries broke out in the basement of a 13-storey building in East London early this morning. The London Fire Brigade responded to the scene on Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall (E14) with eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters.
Details of the Incident
The first call to the London Fire Brigade came at 04:52. Firefighters reported that a small part of the basement battery room was destroyed by the fire. Crews from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham and East Greenwich fire stations worked to contain the blaze.
By 06:43, the fire was reported to be under control. Images from the scene showed flames visible from a section of the building.
Significance and Potential Next Steps
The building affected is a data centre. While the extent of any disruption to services is currently unknown, fires involving batteries – particularly large quantities – can be complex to extinguish and may require specialized equipment. The London Fire Brigade has stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation. It is possible that the investigation could take several days or weeks to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of building was affected by the fire?
The fire occurred at a data centre building on Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall, E14.
How many fire engines were dispatched to the scene?
Eight fire engines were dispatched to the scene, along with around 60 firefighters.
What is the current status of the fire?
The fire was reported to be under control by 06:43, according to the London Fire Brigade.
What factors might contribute to a fire in a data centre battery room?
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