Massive Blaze Rips Through Ilford Hindu Community Centre — Six Fire Engines Battle Flames, Roads Shut
A major fire gutted the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre in Ilford, leaving it badly damaged and causing chaos in the local area. Flames tore through the single-storey building on Cleveland Road at around 8pm Saturday, prompting a huge emergency response.
Firefighters Battle Fierce Flames with Full Force
Fire crews found the community centre fully alight upon arrival. The London Fire Brigade rushed six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from nearby stations including Ilford, Barking, Stratford, and Romford. A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station was used to douse the blaze from above.
The blaze was brought under control by 9.21pm, with no injuries reported.
Roads Closed as Smoke Chokes Ilford Neighbourhood
Redbridge Council confirmed Cleveland Road and Albert Road remain closed, causing major disruption around Ilford Lane and Sunnyside Road. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors shut due to thick smoke drifting across the area.
Police Probe Fire Cause — Not Thought to Be Arson
Metropolitan Police officers first spotted the fire during a patrol at around 8pm and raised the alarm. The cause is under investigation but early signs suggest the blaze was not started deliberately.
Severe Damage to Community Hub
The London Fire Brigade reported significant structural damage to the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre. Due to the extent of destruction, a full examination of the site is ongoing.
Fire at a Glance
- Location: Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre, Cleveland Road, Ilford
- Time: Fire started 8pm, Saturday 30 August 2025; controlled by 9.21pm
- Response: 6 fire engines, approx. 40 firefighters, 32m turntable ladder
- Injuries: None reported
- Status: Building heavily damaged; cause under investigation; likely accidental
- Traffic: Cleveland Road & Albert Road closed; disruption near Ilford Lane & Sunnyside Road; residents advised to keep windows closed
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