A major fire in East Ham is now under investigation after over 100 firefighters battled through Thursday evening to bring the blaze under control.
The fire broke out shortly before 7pm at a commercial property on High Street North in East Ham. According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), flames had engulfed half of a mid-terraced shop with residential flats above, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters from across east London were deployed to the scene. Crews from East Ham, Plaistow, Stratford, and other nearby stations responded swiftly following a flood of emergency calls—at least 12 in total—reporting the incident.
By 9.45pm, the fire was still burning, with flames consuming half the ground floor and parts of the first floor. Firefighters used a 32-metre turntable ladder to tackle the blaze from above, as thick plumes of smoke billowed over the high street.
The fire was eventually brought under control at 11.57pm, nearly five hours after it was first reported. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to damp down hotspots and ensure no risk of reignition.
Station Commander Darren McTernan, who was in attendance, praised the efforts of the crews. “Firefighters worked exceptionally hard in challenging conditions to bring this fire under control,” he said. “Crews will remain on scene into the early hours, monitoring for any remaining pockets of fire.”
He also urged the public to steer clear of the area while emergency services carried out their work. “High Street North will remain closed for several hours. We are asking members of the public to avoid the area while we carry out investigations and ensure the site is safe.”
The London Fire Brigade has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently unknown. Fire investigators were expected to begin their work as soon as the scene was made fully safe.
Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke pouring from the building and flames spreading rapidly through the ground floor. One nearby resident described the moment the fire broke out: “I heard shouting and then saw the smoke from my window. It spread quickly. It was frightening how fast it took hold.”
Emergency services also conducted a precautionary evacuation of nearby properties, though there were no immediate reports of injuries. It is not yet confirmed whether anyone was inside the shop or flats at the time the fire began.
High Street North, a busy thoroughfare in East Ham lined with shops, restaurants, and residential buildings, remains closed while emergency crews work at the scene. Local businesses and residents have been advised to check for smoke damage, and those affected are being urged to follow safety guidance issued by the LFB.
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A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade reiterated the importance of fire safety in mixed-use properties. “Fires in buildings with both commercial and residential use pose significant risks, particularly when they occur out of hours. We urge all business owners and landlords to ensure fire alarms, escape routes and fire doors are regularly maintained.”
As investigations continue, authorities have not ruled out any potential causes, including electrical faults, deliberate ignition, or an accident within the premises.
Further updates are expected from both the LFB and local authorities as the inquiry progresses. Meanwhile, affected residents and shopkeepers await clarification on the extent of the damage and when they may be able to return to their properties.
For now, East Ham’s community is left dealing with the aftermath of a fire that lit up its high street and tested the mettle of London’s emergency services.
