Residents were evacuated from their homes after a fire broke out on a railway embankment in Walthamstow, east London. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed 20 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters to the scene near Vallentin Road. The blaze, which is believed to have been caused by a fallen tree triggering an electrical fire, affected one house, multiple gardens and sheds, and the railway embankment itself. No injuries were reported.
Firefighting Response and Resources
The LFB said the fire produced a significant amount of smoke, prompting advice for local residents to close windows and doors. Motorists were urged to avoid the area, including Wood Street. The Weaver Overground line was partially closed due to the incident. A 32-metre turntable ladder was deployed as a water tower to extinguish flames from above, and the brigade’s drone team also attended the scene. Crews from Tottenham, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Chingford, and surrounding fire stations were mobilised after the LFB received the first of more than 100 calls at 6:27pm.
Impact on Properties and Gardens
LFB Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall stated: “We deployed a significant amount of resources to this fire and firefighters worked in hot and arduous conditions to bring it under control as swiftly as possible. One house was alight, and a second home has suffered damage to a rear extension. The gardens of around 30 properties have also unfortunately been affected by the fire. However, crews worked extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading to further homes. A railway embankment was also alight and this has caused disruption to the Weaver London Overground line … The brigade will retain a significant presence on the scene through the night, working to fully extinguish the fire.”
Community Support and Evacuations
Local MP Stella Creasy posted a video on Instagram urging people to avoid the Wood Street area. She said: “Please avoid the Wood Street area. We need to be able to support the families who are being evacuated. If you can help with refreshments please go to St Mary’s Welcome Centre, the team there would appreciate any offers of food and water.” In a subsequent video, Creasy confirmed that most evacuated residents from surrounding roads could return to their homes. A rest centre was set up at Walthamstow Central library for affected people, in partnership with Waltham Forest council.
