Wennington fire: Blaze which destroyed 17 homes started ‘in or around’ a garden, report finds

A “devastating fire” which tore through an east London village and destroyed 17 homes last summer probably started “in or around” a garden, a report has found.

According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB) report published this week, a neighbour spotted the fire that tore through the village and surrounding fields on July 19 last year.

Although the investigator concluded that it has “not yet been possible” to determine the cause of the fire, a map in their report shows that it started in or close to the garden of a home on the village green.

Possibilities that have not been “fully discounted” include a fire being started deliberately, a discarded cigarette or sunlight on a glass fragment.

An examination of the scene and video evidence found that the fire originated “in or around” the bottom of one of the gardens, although given the wind direction it could have originated on the marshland to the rear.

A large static caravan was noted as the “perceived area of origin”, as it rapidly caught fire and helped the blaze spread.

Neighbouring the garden was a large yard containing various vehicles with hazardous cylinders and braziers – that residents reported often seeing fires being burned in – which posed a “significant risk” to firefighters.

Firefighters were able to stop a grass fire spreading to a diesel tank in the yard of Wennington Fire Station, which neighboured the yard containing hazardous cylinders.

In total the fire spread across 40 hectares, affecting 17 houses, five garages, 12 stables, a car repair workshop, several vehicles and “numerous” sheds and outbuildings.

At about 1pm a neighbour saw “white smoke” coming from near a large willow tree in the garden which turned into a “flaming fire”.

The investigator wrote: “Having called the brigade, [the neighbour] attempted to stop the fire spreading using a hosepipe, however, this had little effect.”

The investigator described the conditions as “exceptionally hot and dry”, which pushed the fire along the marshland along the rear of the properties.

Driven by the wind, it re-entered the gardens of ten properties on Wennington Road, destroying eight, and at the same time crossed the road affecting more properties to the north of the village.

At the time of the incident, the fire brigade was also fighting “numerous” other fires including a 30-pump fire in Upminster.

The investigator said that the brigade, which had a fire station less than 100 metres from the site where the fire started, would have sent more than 15 pumps were it not for the “unprecedented conditions”.

Havering Council leader Ray Morgon said: “The fire caused massive disruption to residents in Wennington.

“We continue to be there to help the people and families affected to rebuild their lives and I hope the publication of this report will serve as some form of closure after what has been an immensely difficult year.

“Whilst the report does not provide a definite conclusion on the cause of the fire, one thing we can conclude from the findings and guidance is that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“As we enter the summer months and the likelihood of higher temperatures it is up to us all to take measures to prevent this type of horrific incident from happening again.”

LFB’s interim borough commander for Havering, Neil Guyett, said: “Last summer, Havering experienced a number of significant fires and our thoughts remain with those impacted by the devastating fire in Wennington.

“Following the fires last summer, we have been working hard to prepare for what could be another summer of extreme weather temperatures.

“We know last summer was not a one-off – climate change will continue to give rise to more extreme weather events.

“Firefighters have been receiving enhanced wildfire training, and this week we introduced new Holey Hoses which we can use to help protect life and property when a significant grass fire or wildfire breaks out.

“We have already tackled numerous grass fires in the borough this summer, such as at Hornchurch Country Park, and we need the public to help us.

“It is so important that people dispose of litter and smoking materials properly when they visit parks and open spaces by ensuring rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or take it home with you.

“If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out. Any spark can ignite a fire especially if the ground is dry.

“Never take a disposable BBQ either – they are officially banned in Havering’s parks and open spaces and we would urge visitors to respect this ban.”