This is the inferno which residents of two blocks of flats fled when an oil tank was set on fire close to their homes.
A number of elderly people were among those who were evacuated when the alarm was raised at 6.35am this morning.
The incident in Carnhill in Derry has been widely condemned with a local fire chief saying those caught up in the incident had a lucky escape.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service district commander Barry McDowell said the quick response of firefighters prevented the loss of life.
Those moved out of their homes were taken to a rest centre at Templemore Sports Complex.
Fire appliances from Northland and Crescent Link stations attended the incident during which firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, searched and accounted for all residents in the flats.
Police have launched an investigation into the blaze and are appealing for information.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “An investigation has begun to determine the cause of the fire. Information can be given to the CID at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can be given to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
It is the second fire at flats in Carnhill in the past five months.
In November, a one-year-old baby was among 10 people rescued after a blaze which broke out at 6.00am.
Firefighters rescued six people, including a family with a one year old boy, who had become trapped.
Tags: