Dramatic scenes unfolded in North London as a massive blaze ripped through a suspected industrial-scale cannabis factory, triggering a major emergency response involving 70 firefighters.
The intense fire erupted at a commercial property on Church Street in Edmonton, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing across the neighbourhood. London Fire Brigade dispatched ten fire engines to combat the fierce flames that had taken hold of the single-storey building.
Major Emergency Response
Fire crews worked tirelessly through the night to bring the substantial blaze under control. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed: "Firefighters have been tackling a fire at a commercial property on Church Street in Edmonton. The whole of a single-storey building is alight."
The scale of the operation was significant, with multiple fire engines and specialist equipment deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.
Police Investigation Launched
Following the containment of the fire, Metropolitan Police officers attended the scene and made a startling discovery. The premises, which had been completely destroyed by the inferno, was identified as a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: "We were called by the London Fire Brigade at 20:38hrs on Thursday, 19 October to a building fire on Church Street, N9. Officers attended. It was found to be a cannabis factory. There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue."
Neighbourhood Impact
Local residents reported chaotic scenes as emergency services flooded the area. The acrid smell of smoke lingered for hours, with many residents advised to keep windows closed due to poor air quality.
The discovery of yet another industrial cannabis operation in London will raise concerns about organised crime groups using residential and commercial properties for large-scale drug production.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and the full extent of the cannabis operation are ongoing, with forensic teams expected to examine the scene once the building is declared safe.
