World

Walthamstow fire: 125 firefighters tackle railway embankment blaze in East London

Herz — World Desk · 13 July 2026 at 02:21 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

A fire broke out on July 12, 2026, on a railway embankment near Vallentin Road, Walthamstow (East London), mobilising approximately 125 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB). About 30 residential gardens, one house, and the rear extension of a second house were affected. The Weaver line of the London Overground, a surface railway network serving Greater London, was partially interrupted. No injuries were reported. Evacuated residents were cared for at Walthamstow Central Library.

125 firefighters mobilised on July 12, 2026, in Walthamstow, East London
One house destroyed and approximately 30 gardens damaged; no injuries reported
Weaver line of London Overground partially interrupted due to fire
Residents evacuated; reception centre opened at Walthamstow Central Library
Suspected cause: electrical failure linked to fallen tree (not officially confirmed)

Illustration of firefighters tackling a blaze on a railway embankment in Walthamstow, east London, with a turntable ladder deployed as a water tower and thick black smoke rising into the evening sky. — Illustration image — Lost in the Jungle

What we know

On July 12, 2026, at 18:27, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) received its first call reporting a fire on a railway embankment near Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, in East London. More than 100 calls followed during the evening, according to the Guardian.

Approximately 125 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, from fire stations in Tottenham, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Chingford, and surrounding areas. The number of fire engines deployed is reported contradictorily by the source: 25 in the article's opening, 20 in its body text.

The fire destroyed one house, damaged the rear extension of a second, and affected the gardens of approximately 30 residential properties, in addition to the railway embankment. No injuries were reported.

Deployment methods

The LFB deployed a 32-metre turntable ladder, configured as a water tower to attack the fire from above without directly exposing firefighters to the flames. The brigade's drone team was also present at the scene.

Facing heavy smoke, the LFB advised residents to close doors and windows. Drivers were urged to avoid the area, particularly Wood Street.

~125

Firefighters mobilised at the scene

>100

Calls received by the LFB

~30

Residential gardens affected

32 m

Height of turntable ladder deployed as water tower

Disruptions to the rail network

The Weaver line of the London Overground — a surface railway network serving Greater London and parts of Hertfordshire — was partially interrupted due to the fire on the embankment.

Evacuations and local response

Residents from surrounding streets were evacuated. A reception centre was opened at Walthamstow Central Library in partnership with Waltham Forest Council.

Local MP Stella Creasy attended the scene and requested refreshments from St Mary's Welcome Centre for evacuated residents. In a video posted that evening, she indicated that most of the evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes.

The LFB's Assistant Commissioner, Tom Goodall, announced that the brigade would maintain a significant presence at the scene throughout the night.