Fire Brigade: Huge Walthamstow blaze 'under control'

A massive blaze near Vallentin Road which forced people out of their homes has now been brought under control, reports Marco Marcelline

An enormous blaze in Walthamstow yesterday evening (12th July) that forced people out of their homes is now under control, the London Fire Brigade has said.

The blaze, which began at around 6pm, tore into the back gardens of around 30 properties in Vallentin Road with one house completely alight and the rear extension of another house damaged. It was brought under control at around 10.35pm.

There have been no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Drone footage of the fire shared on social media shows many garden sheds on fire.

St Mary’s in Walthamstow Village and WFIA Ghousia Grove Road Hall opened their doors to residents who were forced out of their homes due to the fire. The Echo understands that a majority of residents have now been told they can return to their homes.

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said: “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. They are all being supported at this time and we are hopeful that the majority of them will be able to return home tonight.

“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. We have worked closely with Transport for London and the British Transport Police to support passengers on stopped trains. All passengers have now left the railway.

“The Brigade will retain a significant presence on the scene through the night, working to fully extinguish the fire.”

Motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area, including Wood Street, Shernhall Street and surrounding roads, as road closures are in place.

The Weaver Line will continue to be shut between Hackney Downs and Chingford all day today (13th July).

Have you been affected by the fire? Get in touch: [email protected]

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