A significant fire broke out near Hackney Central station in London on Sunday evening, causing severe disruption to rail services. The London Fire Brigade was called to Cottrill Gardens at around 6:10pm, with the blaze affecting a static caravan, two scrap cars, and a 25-metre embankment along a train line. Three sheds, fencing, two mid-terraced houses, and a garage also sustained damage.
Nine people evacuated two properties before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. The fire was under control by 8:40pm, and an investigation into its cause has been launched. Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield noted that crews worked in hot weather, and the Brigade's Drone Team provided an aerial view of the scene.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed severe delays on the Mildmay Line, with no service between Stratford and Gospel Oak. The Weaver Line, initially affected, has returned to normal. Other lines, including the Central, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern lines, also experienced minor to severe delays due to train cancellations or separate fire alerts.
The fire occurred as London experienced a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 32.3°C at Kew Gardens—the hottest May day since 1947. An amber heat health alert remains in place until Wednesday, and TfL has urged passengers to carry water.
