The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called at 6.20pm yesterday (October 11) after a fire began in an electrical intake cupboard on the second floor of Parkside House in Bell Farm Avenue.
Three adults and five children from two different families were taken to hospital as precaution but did not sustain injuries.
The fire was extinguished by LFB crews wearing breathing apparatus by 7.57pm and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
All residents were displaced at the time and a “rest centre” was organised by Barking and Dagenham Council at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club.
Today (October 12) all residents were sent a letter directly from the council informing them it is unlikely that they will be able to go back to Parkside House until at least October 18.
The letter reads: “It is unlikely that anyone will be able to return to live in their home until at least next weekend (18 October).
“This is because UKPN (UK Power Networks) need to restore power and checks need to be made to make sure the building and any cabling is safe.
“Council staff and London Fire Brigade colleagues are speaking to UKPN to ensure this is done as quickly as possible.
“If you are currently in temporary accommodation arranged by the council, we will be extending this for you until next weekend and a council officer will confirm with you directly whether you can stay in the same place.”
Residents currently staying with friends and family have been encouraged to remain there for the next week but can contact the council if temporary accommodation is required.
Th assistance centre at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club is open again today until 5pm and tomorrow (13 October) from 1.30pm to 5pm.
On Tuesday morning, this support will move to Dagenham Library in Church Elm Lane which will be open from 9am until 6pm.
The council added that it is attempting to contact all households affected to arrange for emergency funds to be released but this is likely to take a day or so as people are staying in various places across London.
The letter also said residents can return home if they need to collect any belongings or medicine for the next few days.
Security staff are based at Parkside House and are accompanying families one by one into their homes to retrieve items.
There are no working lifts, lights, power or water at this time.
There will be a resident meeting on Monday 13 October at 1.30pm at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club to give any further updates available.
