A massive fire has erupted in Tower Hamlets, London, with plumes of black smoke visible from the M25 highway, which is a considerable distance from the site of the blaze.&nbsp;

Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were fighting the fire on Friday (August 25), reports&nbsp;Reuters.

<h2>Cause of fire?</h2>

Photos and videos shared on social media show flames engulfing the top of Bow House business centre on Fairfield Road, located in the eastern part of the capital.

While there are no reported injuries at this point, emergency services report that approximately 120 calls were placed to the emergency hotline number 999.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-museum-director-hartwig-fischer-resigns-over-mismanagement-of-widespread-theft-629317">British Museum director Hartwig Fischer resigns over mismanagement of ‘widespread’ theft</a>

Initial reports from social media indicated that the fire originated in residential flats situated atop the business centre.&nbsp;

However, as per the London Fire Brigade, "The cause of the fire is not known at this stage."

Videos shot by shocked commuters on the Elizabeth Line passing through Stratford captured show thick clouds of smoke enveloping the city's skyline, reports Daily Mail.

<h2>Steer clear of the area, say authorities</h2>

The majority of the six-floor building's roof is reported to be ablaze. Authorities are advising people to avoid the area.

In spite of the warnings by authorities, as per videos shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the huge fire has attracted large crowds that gathered at the site to witness the emergency response efforts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-milan-records-its-hottest-day-in-more-than-250-years-629328">Italy: Milan records its hottest day in more than 250 years</a>

As per footage posted on TikTok, police have cordoned off the burning buildings, and several blue light ambulances are on site.

Fire crews, including those from Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, and Homerton, are engaged in firefighting efforts and were seen using two cranes to pour water onto the roof.

Tower Hamlets police issued a statement via X and have urged people to steer clear of the area.

"All emergency services are working hard to put out a fire on Bow Road, junction with Fairfield Road, E3. Please avoid the area and divert your routes," they said.

Public transportation services have also been disrupted, with TfL buses 25, 108, 205, and 425 being rerouted. The incident has also led to a significant traffic congestion in the vicinity.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A massive fire has erupted in Tower Hamlets, London, with plumes of black smoke visible from the M25 highway, which is a considerable distance from the site of the blaze.

A massive fire has erupted in Tower Hamlets, London, with plumes of black smoke visible from the M25 highway, which is a considerable distance from the site of the blaze. Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were fighting the fire on Friday (August 25), reports Reuters. Cause of fire? Photos and videos shared on social media show flames engulfing the top of Bow House business centre on Fairfield Road, located in the eastern part of the capital. While there are no reported injuries at this point, emergency services report that approximately 120 calls were placed to the emergency hotline number 999. Also read | British Museum director Hartwig Fischer resigns over mismanagement of ‘widespread’ theft Initial reports from social media indicated that the fire originated in residential flats situated atop the business centre. However, as per the London Fire Brigade, "The cause of the fire is not known at this stage." Videos shot by shocked commuters on the Elizabeth Line passing through Stratford captured show thick clouds of smoke enveloping the city's skyline, reports Daily Mail. Steer clear of the area, say authorities The majority of the six-floor building's roof is reported to be ablaze. Authorities are advising people to avoid the area. In spite of the warnings by authorities, as per videos shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the huge fire has attracted large crowds that gathered at the site to witness the emergency response efforts. Also read | Italy: Milan records its hottest day in more than 250 years As per footage posted on TikTok, police have cordoned off the burning buildings, and several blue light ambulances are on site. Fire crews, including those from Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, and Homerton, are engaged in firefighting efforts and were seen using two cranes to pour water onto the roof. Tower Hamlets police issued a statement via X and have urged people to steer clear of the area. "All emergency services are working hard to put out a fire on Bow Road, junction with Fairfield Road, E3. Please avoid the area and divert your routes," they said. Public transportation services have also been disrupted, with TfL buses 25, 108, 205, and 425 being rerouted. The incident has also led to a significant traffic congestion in the vicinity.

Major fire breaks out in London's Tower Hamlets; Plumes of smoke seen from far away

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been termed 'institutionally misogynist' and 'racist' after a review conducted into the working culture of the force revealed a grim picture.&nbsp;

Nazir Afzal, the former chief Crown prosecutor for north-west England conducted the review and found that&nbsp;'toxic culture' festered&nbsp;within the LFB which gave rise to bullying and abuse.&nbsp;

"We've heard example after example about women who were harassed or sexually assaulted - constant sexual taunting to the point that I am now saying that the London Fire Brigade is institutionally misogynist," Afzal was quoted as saying by BBC.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-history-of-racism-spans-across-institutions-370734">Read more:&nbsp;Britain's history of racism spans across institutions</a>

The report clearly showed that people of colour coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds were more often than not, the target of racial abuse and bullying. They&nbsp;were also less likely to be promoted and be unrepresented at the senior levels.

A Muslim firefighter in the brigade was troubled and bullied to the extent that he had to be admitted to a hospital. He has&nbsp;since been diagnosed with Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has had suicidal thoughts.

According to the review, the said Muslim man was ridiculed for his Indian accent. On different occasions, a piece of Bacon and a slice of pork was put in the victim's sandwich and pocket respectively.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-to-raise-racism-with-the-uk-370750">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: India to raise racism with the UK</a>

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The women workers in the Brigade have not been untouched by the institutionalised ill behaviour of the firefighting men either.&nbsp;

LFB's first female commissioner Dany Cotton told the researchers that when she started her campaign to fight sexism five years ago, she received death threats from her own colleagues with demands that she be sacked.&nbsp;

Women are routinely 'sexually taunted' in the brigade with one receiving video calls from a man who exposed his nether regions to her.&nbsp;

"I sat with a very senior female officer who said to me, through tears, that whenever she goes through a dangerous incident, she's always thinking: 'Will the men have my back? Will the men around me protect me given how they have treated me back at the station?" added&nbsp;Afzal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-fires-employee-who-led-movement-against-racism-sexism-421182">Read more:&nbsp;Apple fires employee who led movement against racism &amp; sexism</a>

After the findings of the independent review were put out, LFB's Commissioner Andy Roe said there will be consequences from now on for the actions in the brigade.&nbsp;

"From today it will be completely clear to all staff what behaviour isn't acceptable and what the consequences will be."

Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said,&nbsp;"The findings of Nazir Afzal OBE's review must be nothing short of a watershed moment for the London Fire Brigade. The details published today of institutional misogyny, racism and discrimination are abhorrent."

(With inputs from agencies)

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London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been termed 'institutionally misogynist' and 'racist' after a review conducted into the working culture of the force revealed a grim picture.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been termed 'institutionally misogynist' and 'racist' after a review conducted into the working culture of the force revealed a grim picture. Nazir Afzal, the former chief Crown prosecutor for north-west England conducted the review and found that 'toxic culture' festered within the LFB which gave rise to bullying and abuse. "We've heard example after example about women who were harassed or sexually assaulted - constant sexual taunting to the point that I am now saying that the London Fire Brigade is institutionally misogynist," Afzal was quoted as saying by BBC. Read more: Britain's history of racism spans across institutions The report clearly showed that people of colour coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds were more often than not, the target of racial abuse and bullying. They were also less likely to be promoted and be unrepresented at the senior levels. A Muslim firefighter in the brigade was troubled and bullied to the extent that he had to be admitted to a hospital. He has since been diagnosed with Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has had suicidal thoughts. According to the review, the said Muslim man was ridiculed for his Indian accent. On different occasions, a piece of Bacon and a slice of pork was put in the victim's sandwich and pocket respectively. WATCH | Gravitas: India to raise racism with the UK × The women workers in the Brigade have not been untouched by the institutionalised ill behaviour of the firefighting men either. LFB's first female commissioner Dany Cotton told the researchers that when she started her campaign to fight sexism five years ago, she received death threats from her own colleagues with demands that she be sacked. Women are routinely 'sexually taunted' in the brigade with one receiving video calls from a man who exposed his nether regions to her. "I sat with a very senior female officer who said to me, through tears, that whenever she goes through a dangerous incident, she's always thinking: 'Will the men have my back? Will the men around me protect me given how they have treated me back at the station?" added Afzal. Read more: Apple fires employee who led movement against racism & sexism After the findings of the independent review were put out, LFB's Commissioner Andy Roe said there will be consequences from now on for the actions in the brigade. "From today it will be completely clear to all staff what behaviour isn't acceptable and what the consequences will be." Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, "The findings of Nazir Afzal OBE's review must be nothing short of a watershed moment for the London Fire Brigade. The details published today of institutional misogyny, racism and discrimination are abhorrent." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

London Fire Brigade is ‘institutionally misogynist’ and ‘sexist’, finds independent review

Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.

At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames.

London Fire Brigade said that six cars and a telephone box also caught fire.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said that the fire was brought under control. A police officer and a member of the public were treated for smoke inhalation.

"I want to thank our brave emergency services... who acted quickly to ensure both residents and passengers at the nearby station were safely evacuated," Khan said.

London Fire Brigade said that it had sent 15 fire engines to tackle the fire. It said that it received dozens of emergency calls

"The cause of the fire is not known at this time," it added. But the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be terror related.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation. At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames.

Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation. At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames. London Fire Brigade said that six cars and a telephone box also caught fire. London mayor Sadiq Khan said that the fire was brought under control. A police officer and a member of the public were treated for smoke inhalation. "I want to thank our brave emergency services... who acted quickly to ensure both residents and passengers at the nearby station were safely evacuated," Khan said. London Fire Brigade said that it had sent 15 fire engines to tackle the fire. It said that it received dozens of emergency calls "The cause of the fire is not known at this time," it added. But the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be terror related. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire in south London sends plumes of smoke across capital

A British firefighter has described discovering the charred remnants of a young French nanny, during the trial of a couple accused of killing her and disposing of the body in a bonfire in their garden.

The remains of 21-year-old Sophie Lionnet were discovered by responders from the London Fire Brigade on September 20, in the back garden of the southwest London home where she cared for two children.

Parents Sabrina Kouider, 35, and her partner Ouissem Medouni, 40, are accused of torturing and then murdering their au-pair but deny the charges.

They have admitted perverting the course of justice in the case.

Neighbours had alerted the authorities after noticing smoke and a &quot;horrible&quot; smell coming from the property that afternoon.

Firefighter Thomas Hunt told a court in London&#39;s Old Bailey on Wednesday that he confronted Medouni after he found human fingers and a nose as he put out the fire.

Hunt told jurors he used a small amount of water to put the fire out and was turning it over with a spade when he noticed clothes and jewellery among the ashes.

The firefighter said he was then able to see &quot;features of a body found on a human being&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;I could make out a nose and fingers,&quot; he added, noting he asked colleagues to confirm his suspicions.&nbsp;

&quot;When I recognised it was a body I was concerned for my crew&#39;s safety,&quot; he said.

&quot;I turned to the occupant and asked &#39;Why are you burning a body?&#39;&quot;

&quot;He said &#39;It&#39;s a sheep&#39;,&quot; Hunt added.

Asked how Medouni seemed, he said: &quot;Very calm. When I challenged him he shrugged off the accusation.

&quot;When he sat down there was a look of resignation on him, like &#39;The game&#39;s up, I&#39;ve been caught&#39;.&quot;

Neighbours had alerted the authorities after noticing smoke and a "horrible" smell coming from the property that afternoon

A British firefighter has described discovering the charred remnants of a young French nanny, during the trial of a couple accused of killing her and disposing of the body in a bonfire in their garden. The remains of 21-year-old Sophie Lionnet were discovered by responders from the London Fire Brigade on September 20, in the back garden of the southwest London home where she cared for two children. Parents Sabrina Kouider, 35, and her partner Ouissem Medouni, 40, are accused of torturing and then murdering their au-pair but deny the charges. They have admitted perverting the course of justice in the case. Neighbours had alerted the authorities after noticing smoke and a "horrible" smell coming from the property that afternoon. Firefighter Thomas Hunt told a court in London's Old Bailey on Wednesday that he confronted Medouni after he found human fingers and a nose as he put out the fire. Hunt told jurors he used a small amount of water to put the fire out and was turning it over with a spade when he noticed clothes and jewellery among the ashes. The firefighter said he was then able to see "features of a body found on a human being". "I could make out a nose and fingers," he added, noting he asked colleagues to confirm his suspicions. "When I recognised it was a body I was concerned for my crew's safety," he said. "I turned to the occupant and asked 'Why are you burning a body?'" "He said 'It's a sheep'," Hunt added. Asked how Medouni seemed, he said: "Very calm. When I challenged him he shrugged off the accusation. "When he sat down there was a look of resignation on him, like 'The game's up, I've been caught'."

UK firefighter tells court of finding French nanny's remains on bonfire

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Major fire breaks out in London's Tower Hamlets; Plumes of smoke seen from far away

London Fire Brigade is ‘institutionally misogynist’ and ‘sexist’, finds independent review

Fire in south London sends plumes of smoke across capital

UK firefighter tells court of finding French nanny's remains on bonfire