A large fire in Walthamstow, east London, on Sunday evening caused significant damage to homes and gardens, prompted evacuations, and shut down the Weaver London Overground line. Around 125 firefighters and 25 engines from the London Fire Brigade responded to the blaze, which began on a railway embankment at 6:27 PM on July 12.
Damage and Response
The fire destroyed one home and damaged a rear extension of a second, while approximately 30 gardens were also affected. Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall, who was at the scene, stated: “This was a significant incident affecting the community this evening. I am thankful that no injuries have been sustained. We have worked with the local authority and our other partners to set up two rest centres for residents who have been evacuated from their homes.”
Firefighters worked in hot and arduous conditions to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to additional properties. Ten gas cylinders were cooled to prevent explosions due to the extreme heat. The brigade remained at the scene overnight to fully extinguish the blaze.
Transport Disruption
The Weaver Overground line was closed, and passengers on stopped trains were supported by Transport for London and British Transport Police. All passengers have since left the railway. Residents were advised to avoid Vallentin Road, Brook Road, and Shernall Street, and to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Local MP Stella Creasy urged people to avoid the Wood Street area, saying: “Please can you avoid the area. I’m on Vallentin Road at the moment, that is closed. Brook Road is closed. Shernall Street is closed. Please avoid the Wood Street area for now.”
Witness Accounts
Gary Nelson, 59, a nearby resident, told The Sun: “I was sitting in my courtyard when my friend phoned and said something was going on. I could see fire engines racing past one after another. That’s when I knew something serious had happened.” He noted that residents were left shaken as emergency vehicles flooded the area.
The fire comes amid an “extreme” wildfire threat in London due to the summer heatwave. On Friday night, a bushfire near Stratford Station also closed the travel hub and caused disruption.
