Firefighters Battle Blackwall Tower Data Centre Blaze

Key Points

• Around 60 firefighters from eight engines battled a small fire in the basement of a 13-storey tower housing a data centre on Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall, east London.
• The incident occurred at 4.50am on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
• Flames affected part of a basement battery room storing approximately 200 lead acid batteries, which was destroyed by the fire.
• No further damage was reported to the building, and no injuries occurred.
• The fire was brought under control before 7am, with crews remaining on scene to dampen the area.
• Firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham, and East Greenwich stations attended due to the high-rise nature of the building.
• A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesman stated the fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the failure of one of the lead acid batteries.
• The cause remains under investigation, with no official determination confirmed at the time of reporting.
• The tower is identified as Blackwall Tower in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Blackwall, East London (East London Times) January 24, 2026 – Around 60 firefighters tackled a small fire in the basement battery room of a 13-storey data centre tower on Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall, where approximately 200 lead acid batteries were stored, resulting in the destruction of part of the room but no injuries or further structural damage.​

The blaze, reported at 4.50am, was contained before 7am, with no reported injuries or additional harm to the building housing the data centre in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.​

What Happened at the Blackwall Data Centre Fire?

Fire crews from multiple stations responded swiftly to the high-rise incident. As detailed in the initial coverage by the Evening Standard, dozens of firefighters battled the flames in the basement, where the fire originated in a room housing around 200 lead acid batteries.​

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that eight engines and approximately 60 crew members were dispatched to Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall at 4.50am on Saturday. Part of the basement battery room was destroyed, but the fire caused no further damage to the tower, known locally as Blackwall Tower.​

A spokesman for the LFB said:

“The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of one of the lead acid batteries.”

Crews from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham, and East Greenwich attended the scene because of the building’s high-rise status.

When Did Firefighters Arrive and How Long Did It Take to Control the Blaze?

The alarm was raised at precisely 4.50am, prompting an immediate response from the LFB. According to the Evening Standard reporting, the fire was brought under control before 7am, allowing crews to focus on dampening down efforts.​

This rapid containment minimised risks in a facility critical to data operations, with no evacuation necessary beyond standard protocols for such incidents. The LFB’s deployment of 60 personnel underscored the potential hazards posed by the battery storage in a 13-storey structure.​

Station managers emphasised the challenges of basement fires in high-rises, particularly those involving hazardous materials like lead acid batteries, which can produce toxic fumes and intense heat.​

Why Were Crews from Six Stations Dispatched to Nutmeg Lane?

The scale of the response was due to the building’s classification as a high-rise. As reported by LFB representatives in the Evening Standard, firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham, and East Greenwich were mobilised to ensure comprehensive coverage.​

High-rise fires demand multi-station attendance to manage risks such as vertical spread and limited access. Nutmeg Lane’s location in Blackwall, within Tower Hamlets, facilitated this coordinated effort, preventing escalation.​

LFB protocols for data centres and battery rooms prioritise rapid intervention, given the potential for electrical hazards and data integrity issues, though none materialised here.​

What Damage Did the Fire Cause to the Data Centre?

The fire destroyed part of the basement battery room storing around 200 lead acid batteries, but no further damage occurred. The Evening Standard noted that the tower itself sustained no additional harm, preserving the 13-storey structure’s integrity.​

Data centre operations rely heavily on uninterrupted power, and the basement location isolated the impact. No reports emerged of service disruptions, underscoring the effectiveness of containment measures.​

Lead acid batteries, commonly used for backup power in such facilities, are prone to thermal runaway if one fails, but the blaze remained confined.​

Were There Any Injuries or Evacuations Reported?

No injuries were reported, and there were no indications of widespread evacuations. Coverage from the Evening Standard confirmed that the incident passed without harm to personnel or residents nearby.​

The early morning timing at 4.50am likely reduced occupancy risks in the commercial tower. LFB’s focus on safety ensured a cordon was established, protecting the public in Blackwall.​

What Is Believed to Have Caused the Fire?

A London Fire Brigade spokesman stated that the fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the failure of one of the lead acid batteries. As reported by the Evening Standard, this preliminary assessment points to an internal battery malfunction rather than external factors.​

The cause has not been fully determined, with investigations ongoing. Battery failures in data centres often stem from overcharging, age, or manufacturing defects, common in facilities with dense storage like the 200 units here.​

LFB added that such incidents highlight the importance of regular maintenance in high-risk areas.​

Which Fire Stations Responded to the Blackwall Incident?

Crews hailed from Poplar, Millwall, Plaistow, Stratford, East Ham, and East Greenwich. The Evening Standard detailed this multi-station effort, mobilised due to the high-rise protocols for Nutmeg Lane.​

Each station contributed specialised equipment for basement access and hazardous materials handling. This collaboration exemplifies LFB’s regional response strategy for east London incidents.​

How Does This Fire Compare to Other Data Centre Incidents in London?

While specific comparisons are limited, this event mirrors occasional battery-related blazes in tech facilities. Unlike larger fires, such as those at commercial buildings in recent years, the Blackwall incident remained minor due to swift action.​

No prior reports from Nutmeg Lane suggest recurring issues, distinguishing it from sites with maintenance lapses. Data centres in Tower Hamlets have faced scrutiny over fire risks, but this case showed robust preparedness.​

What Safety Measures Are in Place at High-Rise Data Centres?

Data centres employ battery rooms with ventilation, fire suppression, and monitoring systems. The LFB’s account in the Evening Standard implies these mitigated spread here.​

Post-incident, inspections will verify compliance with UK regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Blackwall Tower’s design likely includes compartmentalisation, aiding containment.​

What Has the London Fire Brigade Said About the Incident?

An LFB spokesman provided key details:

“The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of one of the lead acid batteries.”

This quote, as reported by the Evening Standard, offers the official line on causation.​

The brigade confirmed attendance from specified stations and the fire’s control by 7am. They stressed the accidental nature, pending full investigation.​

Where Exactly Is the Data Centre Located?

The site is on Nutmeg Lane in Blackwall, a developing area in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The 13-storey tower, referred to as Blackwall Tower, houses critical data infrastructure amid east London’s tech growth.​

Proximity to the Thames adds logistical challenges for emergencies, yet access roads supported the response.​

Who Operates the Data Centre at Blackwall Tower?

Details on the specific operator were not disclosed in initial reports. The facility’s role in data storage underscores its importance, with batteries providing uninterruptible power supplies.​

Further inquiries may reveal affiliations, but privacy norms limit such disclosures during active scenes.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

The cause remains undetermined officially, though accidental battery failure is suspected. Investigators will examine remnants of the 200 batteries for defects or misuse.​

LFB will likely issue a final report, informing safety upgrades. No criminality is indicated at this stage.