125 firefighters battle Walthamstow blaze as residents evacuated from their homes

There are 20 fire engines at the scene tonight

More than 100 firefighters are battling a blaze in Walthamstow tonight (Sunday), with 20 fire engines at the scene. Residents have reportedly been evacuated after the blaze took hold in the area.

The fire, near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street, was first reported shortly after 6pm. London Fire Brigade said that a railway embankment is alight, along with a number of gardens and outbuildings close to the railway line.

Local MP Stella Creasy said there had been “an electrical fire on the train lines”.

“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.”

London Fire Brigade said: “Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters have been called to a fire near Vallentin Road and Shernhall Street in Walthamstow.

“A railway embankment is alight. A number of gardens and outbuildings close to the railway line are also affected.

The incident is producing a significant amount of smoke and people in the area are advised to close their windows and doors at this time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, including Wood Street, Shernhall Street and surrounding roads, as road closures are in place.

“The Weaver Overground line has been partially closed. Transport for London service updates can be found here. The Brigade received the first of over 100 calls at 1827 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Tottenham, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Chingford and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.”

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