More than 125 firefighters are tackling a major blaze in Walthamstow after a railway embankment caught fire on Sunday evening. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first of over 100 calls at 6.27pm on July 12, dispatching 25 fire engines to the scene.
Fire Details and Response
The fire is located near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street, with flames also affecting nearby gardens and outbuildings. Large plumes of smoke are visible for miles, prompting warnings for residents to close windows and doors. The Weaver Overground line has been partially closed, and Transport for London advises travellers to check for updates.
Local MP Urges Residents to Avoid Area
Local MP Stella Creasy said: "Look Walthamstow, is you're seeing the reports, there has been an electrical fire on the train lines so the roads around Wood Street are closed. Please can you avoid the area. I'm on Valentine Road at the moment, that is closed. Brood Road is closed. Shernall Street is closed. Please avoid the Wood Street area for now. All I know at the moment is there's been a fire on the train tracks." She added: "I understand you're seeing the smoke. It's obviously incredibly scary, but please help the police and the fire brigade by staying away from the Wood Street area."
Fire Brigade Statement
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "25 engines and around 125 firefighters have been called to a fire near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street in Walthamstow. A railway embankment is alight. A number of gardens and outbuildings close to the railway line are also affected. The incident is producing a significant amount of smoke and people in the area are advised to close their windows and doors at this time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, including Wood Street, Shernhall Street and surrounding roads, as road closures are in place."
Transport Disruption
The Weaver Overground line has been partially closed, with travellers advised to check Transport for London for service updates. Crews from Tottenham, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Chingford, and surrounding fire stations have been mobilised to the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
