ON Wednesday 14 June a fire broke out at Grenfell Tower, a tall tower block in North Kensington, West London, not far from Westfield shopping centre.

The fire is thought to have started at around 1am on Wednesday (14 June). Hours later, hundreds of firefighters were still working hard to put out the blaze.

Emergency services were quick to arrive at the scene to help people in and around the building. According to the London Fire Brigade, lots of people were taken to safety “very early on” in the early hours of this morning. 

However, several people are still missing and sadly some people have died. At least 70 people have been taken to various hospitals.  

Commander Stuart Cundy, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this truly shocking fire.”

The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that at this stage “it is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire”, although the internet is already speculating (please be aware of fake news stories online). 

Lots of people, businesses and religious buildings nearby opened their doors to people in need in the area.

This terrible news has shocked everyone this week – both children and adults – so it is okay to feel scared or confused. 

Nicky Cox, editor in chief at First News, wants to try to help you understand the news when scary events happen. Have a read through these six points:

1. Don’t cover up your feelings if you are scared. Don’t worry quietly inside. Talk to someone – adults who you know, love and trust – if you are worried about frightening news events, like the recent attacks or today’s (Wednesday 14 June) fire.

2. When there is a big event in the news, lots of inaccurate information ends up on the internet, so try to avoid it. Make sure you get your news from a trusted place like First News newspaper, First News Live! or BBC Newsround. Things that happen in the news will be talked about in the school playground or lunch hall, or in online chats. Better that you know the real facts, rather than hearing exaggerated or confused versions from other people. You need correct information, not misinformation.

3. Remember this is being investigated by professionals and experts arrived at the scene of the fire incredibly quickly – many people were saved early on. Some people are working around the clock to keep us safe in our day-to-day lives.

4. Remember that events like the West London fire are extremely rare, which is why they are in the news. We haven’t seen a big fire like this in this country for a very, very long time.

5. Hug your family a little bit closer and let it out if you are sad or worried. Don’t let it build up. 

6. Fires are extremely dangerous, but remembering the “Three Ps” of fire safety can help to keep you safe.