London Canary Wharf Tower Fire Evacuation

Download IPFS

A significant fire erupted at The Cabot tower block in Canary Wharf on Thursday evening, prompting a full-scale evacuation and drawing widespread attention across London’s financial core.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that several fire engines were dispatched to the scene after the alarm was raised. Witnesses observed thick smoke and flames emanating from the upper floors as crews moved swiftly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

The 17-storey office building, situated at the heart of London’s business district, was evacuated as a priority safety measure. According to Express.co.uk, a Morgan Stanley fire marshal confirmed that all staff had exited the building safely: “The building has been cleared, everyone is out.”

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered visible flames through the top-floor windows. Eyewitness videos circulated online showed orange plumes lighting up the skyline, as nearby residents and office workers recorded the unfolding drama.

Crews deployed aerial ladders and multiple hoses, battling the blaze from above while ground teams established a safety cordon. The London Fire Brigade urged the public to avoid the Canary Wharf area due to road disruptions caused by the emergency response.

Fortunately, there have been no confirmed injuries at this point. Emergency services remained on site late into the night to dampen hotspots and complete a full sweep to secure the structure.

One office worker, speaking to local media, reflected on the experience: “It was frightening to see flames so high up, but the evacuation was conducted calmly and efficiently.”

This fire comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety of high-rise buildings in London, a sensitive topic since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. The London Fire Brigade routinely reviews high-rise protocols, and full investigations typically follow such incidents.

At least eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were confirmed to have responded to the incident. Crews from nearby stations, including Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, and Shadwell, were among those deployed, with first responders arriving within minutes of the alarm.

A nearby tenant described the local atmosphere being “on hold” as emergency services worked. Access to adjacent office buildings has been restricted, and traffic diversions remain in place as response teams complete safety assessments.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Authorities are expected to release further updates once the building has been declared safe and the immediate response has concluded.