Suspected arson in London highrise stairwell sends 7 residents to hospital

Residents of an apartment tower in east London were trapped in their homes for several hours after a fire in a stairwell on one of the upper floors.

Approximately 30 firefighters were called to 700 King Street, east of Adelaide, Wednesday before noon where they encountered heavy smoke on multiple floors.

"It is widespread damage from the 18th to the 25th floor," said Platoon Chief Colin Shewell. "What I'm hearing from the firefighters inside is that the damage was due to smoke spreading from thestairwell into numerous floors, and that it was kept out of the apartments."

Shewell said firefighters havedetermined the cause was"some type of furniture"that had been lit on fire in the stairwell and prompted an arson investigation by police.

Seven people were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, and dozens of others were ordered by emergency crews to stay inside their units for safety.

"Our crews are ventilating the hallways, as well as the stairwells, to clear the air," Shewell said. "As for damages, a dollar amount is difficult to estimateat this point."