A major fire swept through properties in Walthamstow, east London, on Sunday evening, July 12, damaging two homes and approximately 30 gardens, closing railway lines, and prompting evacuations. Around 125 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to the blaze on a railway embankment near Vallentin Road, with 25 engines deployed to contain the flames.
Fire Response and Evacuations
The LFB received calls at 6:27 pm. Large plumes of smoke were visible for miles. The Weaver London Overground line was closed, and passengers on stopped trains were evacuated. Two rest centres were set up for displaced residents, with most expected to return home that night. Ten gas cylinders were cooled to prevent explosion.
Damage and Impact
Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall stated: “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.” He added that no injuries were sustained and thanked crews for working in hot conditions.
Community and Witness Accounts
Local MP Stella Creasy urged residents to avoid the 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 Gary Nelson, 59, told The Sun: “I could see fire engines racing past one after another. That’s when I knew something serious had happened.”
Wildfire Threat Context
The fire occurred during a summer heatwave, with the LFB warning of an “extreme” wildfire threat in London. On Friday night, a bushfire near Stratford Station caused travel chaos. Firefighters remained at the Walthamstow scene overnight to fully extinguish the blaze.
