A section of a house being utilized as a cannabis factory in Erith was engulfed in flames, resulting in significant damage to the property and neighbouring structures. The incident, which occurred yesterday (Tuesday, February 20), prompted a swift response from emergency services as they battled to contain the blaze.
Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters rushed to the scene on Riverdale Road in Erith, following reports of a fire erupting at a mid-terraced house around 4:30 pm. Upon arrival, responders discovered that the property was being illicitly used for the cultivation of cannabis plants.
The intensity of the fire-ravaged most of the roof and inflicted substantial destruction to the first floor of the house. Additionally, a portion of the roof of a neighbouring property sustained damage from the blaze. Despite the ferocity of the inferno, fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.
The London Fire Brigade emphasized the heightened risks associated with cannabis factory fires, citing the hazardous wiring systems employed by criminals to siphon electricity illegally for the cultivation operation. These makeshift setups often result in electrical malfunctions, posing significant dangers to occupants and neighbouring buildings alike.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade highlighted the importance of public vigilance in identifying properties being used for illegal activities, urging prompt reporting to authorities to prevent potential disasters.
“Cannabis factory fires can be particularly dangerous because of the way criminals use unsafe wiring to illegally obtain electricity to grow the plants,” stated the spokesperson. They’re often in top floors or lofts which means when a fire takes hold it spreads, destroying roofs and damaging neighbouring buildings.
The extensive firefighting operation involved the deployment of specialized equipment, including the Brigade’s 32-meter turntable ladder, to combat the blaze effectively from various angles. Fire crews from Erith, Bexley, and Plumstead fire stations worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Following hours of intense efforts, firefighters successfully extinguished the flames by 6:29 pm, averting further escalation of the incident. However, investigations into the cause of the fire and the individuals responsible for the cannabis cultivation operation are ongoing.
