Massive Blaze Erupts at East Ham Shop with Flats Above
A roaring fire has ripped through a shop on High Street North, East Ham, threatening the residential flats above. Firefighters scrambled to the scene with 10 fire engines and around 70 crew members battling the inferno on Thursday evening, 29 May 2025.
Hour of Horror: Fire Breaks Out at 7.02pm
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the first emergency call at 7.02pm after reports of thick smoke and flames pouring from a mid-terraced commercial property. In total, control officers logged 12 emergency calls from concerned witnesses.
Major Incident Declared as Firefighters Fight Flames
Units from East Ham, Plaistow, Stratford, and nearby fire stations faced a fiery battle when they arrived to find half the shop’s ground floor engulfed. Fears mounted that the fire could spread upwards to the homes above.
LFB swiftly declared a major incident, mobilising crews to tame the blaze and stop it from escalating further.
What We Know So Far
- Location: High Street North, East Ham, E6
- Time of first call: 19:02 BST
- Response: 10 fire engines, approx. 70 firefighters
- Structure involved: Shop with residential flats above
- Fire status: Half of shop ablaze, crews actively tackling flames
- Injuries: No confirmed casualties so far
Authorities Warn Public: Avoid Area, Keep Windows Shut
Thick smoke is spreading through the surrounding streets. Officials urge locals and commuters to steer clear of High Street North and keep windows and doors closed for safety.
The road remains partially closed with diversions in place, triggering significant travel disruption this evening.
London Fire Brigade Speaks Out
“Crews are working in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control. Our firefighters are using breathing apparatus, hose reels and main jets to tackle the flames and protect adjacent properties,” said an LFB spokesperson.
Fire investigation teams will probe the cause once the blaze has been extinguished.
Got pictures or info? Contact London Fire Brigade or dial 999 for emergencies.
Stay with us for live updates on this developing story.
