Blaze devastates Walthamstow gardens and homes
More than 30 gardens and a railway embankment were severely damaged in a large fire in Walthamstow on Sunday, July 12, with one home completely destroyed. The London Fire Brigade deployed 125 firefighters and 25 fire engines to the blaze on Vallentin Road at 6.27pm.
Several streets, including Vallentin Road, Wood Street, and Shernall Street, were cordoned off as residents were evacuated. The fire was brought under control by 10.35pm, but the aftermath left many returning to scenes of devastation.
Residents recount terrifying experience
Amy McCallum was at home with her partner and child when the fire erupted. She told MyLondon: 'We heard three big bangs, and we looked at the back of the house, and we saw all the smoke. It was an inferno, it was all up in flames in about two minutes.' She added that police arrived quickly and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed.
John Neddy, 68, who has lived in the area for 40 years, found his front door smashed in by firefighters. While his house was mostly spared, the bottom of his garden was devastated. 'The decking has gone. I was worried about losing the house, with the wind yesterday, we were lucky it didn't,' he said. He also noted that his insurance had just lapsed and that a neighbor's cabin, costing over £50,000, was destroyed.
Residents compare scene to 'warzone'
Ian Phillips returned home to what he described as a 'warzone,' with police everywhere and smoke still rising at 10pm. He said: 'I'm just glad no one has been hurt, some of the people are distraught and very shaken up still.'
Stephen Pietrzykowski was away watching Wimbledon when he saw panic on his road's WhatsApp group. Upon returning, he found his street cordoned off and flames 'higher than the houses.' He left due to toxic air and returned the next morning to assess the damage, calling it 'remarkable that it didn't spread further.'
Weaver Line suspended until Thursday
The Weaver Line of the London Overground has been partially suspended since the fire and is expected to remain closed until Thursday, July 16, for urgent repairs after the railway embankment was severely damaged, according to TfL.
Officials are investigating the cause of the inferno, with an expected release after the conclusion of the inquiry.
