A large fire broke out at a Holiday Inn in London on Friday, a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers. Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines were dispatched to the scene on Empire Way, near Wembley Stadium, after the London Fire Brigade received the first of 29 calls reporting the blaze at 12:34 p.m. local time.
Large plumes of black smoke were visible from the building, and footage shared on social media showed the extent of the fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 1:21 p.m., and the cause is now under investigation. The Home Office stated it would not comment on individual hotels but confirmed the fire had been controlled.
The hotel has been used to house an unknown number of migrants since August of the previous year, and some residents have previously described conditions there as akin to a "prison." They also raised concerns about food and lengthy waits for housing.
The incident occurred as fire services across the United Kingdom have been stretched due to multiple wildfires during a severe heatwave. The government recently implemented a temporary ban on disposable barbecues, citing the significant risk they pose to the public and environment during dry conditions. Yesterday marked the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 38.1C in some areas.
In a separate incident, at least six houses were destroyed and up to 30 properties damaged by a rapidly spreading wildfire in Stourbridge, West Midlands. Firefighters battled the blaze, which affected homes on Brunswick Gate, a street known for its expensive residences. Residents were forced to evacuate as flames moved quickly through dry grass and woodland. A child and three firefighters were among those taken to the hospital following the Stourbridge fire.