Hackney home gutted by blaze as fire fighters strike
The fire in Malpas Road was brought under control by fire fighters just before 7.30pm. Photo by Betzalel Just. - Credit: Archant
A massive house fire broke out in a Hackney Central home last night, as fire fighters were staging a 24 hour strike.
No one was injured but the three bedroom house was gutted by the blaze.
The London Fire Brigade received the first of several calls about the blaze in Malpas Road at 6.43pm, and contingency crews using four fire engines had it under control by 7.20pm.
Many people in the area tweeted about the fire, with several people berating the emergency service’s “slow response” during the walkout over pay and pensions.
BBC correspondent Tarah Welsh said: “Covering #firestrike. Been at fire in Hackney. Locals say crews took 20 mins to arrive, strikers tell me it usually would have been 4 mins.”
Claire Jones said: “THIS is why we need to protect our fire service. This was someone’s home. Really hope no one is hurt :(“.
The 24-hour strike, which began at 9am yesterday, is the longest yet in a three year row with the government.
