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A fire broke out in Walthamstow, east London, destroying a home and affecting the nearby railway embankment. Around 125 firefighters addressed the blaze, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of residents, but no injuries have been reported.
The London Fire Brigade had controlled the blaze by 10.30 pm, but travel disruptions on the Weaver line are expected to last all day due to urgent repairs needed on the damaged track. Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with local MP Stella Creasy suggesting a possible electrical fire on the train line.
The London Fire Brigade reported no injuries following the fire in Walthamstow and confirmed that local authorities set up rest centres for evacuated residents. Travel disruptions on the Weaver line will continue as engineers conduct urgent repairs to the damaged track, with the closure expected to last throughout the day.
What remains unclear — The exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed, despite local speculation regarding a fallen tree.
Fire in Walthamstow prompts evacuations and travel disruption in London
Hundreds of people were evacuated after a fire tore through a house and railway embankment in east London.
The blaze broke out near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street in Walthamstow yesterday evening, sparking a huge emergency response and evacuation as thick smoke billowed into the air.
Flames ripped through one home, several garden sheds and the embankment near Wood Street station, with thick smoke visible for miles across the capital.
At the height of the fire, twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters were tackling the flames, which risked spreading to more homes along the railway tracks.
Locals were told to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.
No injuries have been reported, the London Fire Brigade said.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, local MP Stella Creasy said there had been an ‘electrical fire on the train line.’
Locals have speculated on social media that the fire was caused by a tree that had fallen on the overhead railway line.
People and businesses jumped to action to help the evacuees, and emergency shelters were set up quickly before people were allowed to return home.
Residents on streets unaffected by smoke gave water to people forced to flee, one local said.
Travel disruption on Weaver line after Walthamstow fire
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While the blaze was under control by 10.30pm yesterday, travel disruption on the route continues today.
The Weaver line is suspended between Chingford and Hackney Downs while engineers carry out urgent repairs to the damaged track, the latest TfL status update says.
The closure is expected to last all day.
Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall from LFB 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.’