Residents evacuated as 125 firefighters called to 'serious' UK fire

Residents are reported to have been evacuated as 20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters were called to a "serious" fire in Walthamstow, east London.

The blaze near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street has affected one house, multiple gardens and sheds as well as a railway embankment, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

People in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to a "significant amount of smoke", but the advice has since been lifted.

Motorists have been are advised to avoid the area, and the Weaver Overground railway line has been partially closed.

Local MP Stella Creasy said there had been "an electrical fire on the train lines", but LFB said the cause of the blaze is unknown.

"We have got a major incident in Wood Street," she said. "There is a serious fire with a lot of roads and people being evacuated."

More than 100 calls were made to the fire service from around 6.30pm on Sunday.

LFB said two rest centres have been set up for residents affected by the fire.

Ms Creasy urged people to avoid the Wood Street area and said anyone evacuated from their homes should go to St Mary's Welcome Centre.

(c) Sky News 2026: Residents evacuated as 125 firefighters called to 'serious' UK fire