Pictures and videos from the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, show police and firefighters dealing with an incident. Despite a heavy presence from London Fire Brigade, a systemic search f the premises failed to find any fire.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told the Daily Express: “Firefighters responded to reports of a possible fire at a hotel on Marsh Wall, Tower Hamlets. Crews carried out a systematic search of the building for signs of fire, and none were discovered. The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1650, and crews from Millwall, Poplar, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene. The incident was over for crews by 1835.”
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The scourge of false alarms
According to official figures, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to 52,000 false alerts in 2023/24?
That equates to an average of 142 a day.
LFB said: “We attended around 52,000 false alarms last year, which is problematic because it diverts resources: firefighters should be attending real emergencies and saving lives.
“False alarms are dangerous as people become complacent and do not react to the alarm when there’s a real fire and people are put at unnecessary risk from avoidable blue light journeys as emergency vehicles travel at high speeds.”
‘No signs of fire’
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told the Daily Express: “Firefighters responded to reports of a possible fire at a hotel on Marsh Wall, Tower Hamlets.
“Crews carried out a systematic search of the building for signs of fire, and none were discovered.
“The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1650, and crews from Millwall, Poplar, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene. The incident was over for crews by 1835.”
Update on Britannia Hotel incident after fire crews called
A source has told the Daily Express that an initial invetigation of the building suggests that the incident might have been a “false alarm” although a search is ongoing.
Security remains in place
Five security guards stood at the entrance to the hotel which was guarded by a double layer of large metal fencing
Protesters gathered outside
Around a dozen protesters are currently gathered outside, with the hotel regularly seeing anti-asylum demonstrators congregagting.
They can be heard chanting “England” as fire officers deal with the incident.
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We’re at the scene
There were two fire engines outside the hotel plus two support vehicles and police. There are also a dozen anti-migrant protesters across the street.
Bunting, St George’s flags and Union Jacks, were put up on a fence outside the hotel but are now being removed.
Hotel has been at the centre of controversy
The Britannia Hotel has been one of the most high-profile asylum hotels at the centre of protests this summer.
Demonstrations broke out in July after rumours spread on social media that staff had been sacked in preparation for the arrival of asylum seekers.
Protesters on both sides of the divide over the UK’s migration policies gathered outside on several occasions, with clashes turning violent .
London Fire Brigade issues statement on Britannia hotel incident
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters are currently responding to an incident at a hotel on Marsh Wall, Tower Hamlets.
“Crews are currently carrying out a systematic search of the building for signs of fire.
“The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1650, and crews from Millwall, Poplar, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene.”
Multiple fire engines on the scene
Video footage circulating online shows at least seven fire engines outside the hotel which has been the centre of anti-asylum hotel protests in recent weeks.
What’s happening?
Multiple fire engines seen outside the Britannia hotel in Canary Wharf. The exact circumstances remain unclear.
Daily Express Senior Reporter Richard Ashmore is currently making his way to the scene.
