The fire took hold in properties close to Stonebridge Lock on the River Lee Navigation

Firefighters last night (Thursday 5th) tackled a blaze at two adjoining properties where a suspected cannabis factory had been in operation.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled the fire in Watermead Way, close to Stonebridge Lock on the River Lee Navigation, for around two hours, between 11.38pm and 1.43am this morning.

Most of the ground and first floors of both houses were damaged by fire and the roofs were destroyed. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire caused significant structural damage to the properties which will need to be made safe before the site can be examined by both firefighters and police officers.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Cannabis factory fires can be particularly dangerous because of the way criminals use unsafe wiring to illegally obtain electricity in order to grow the plants.

“They’re often in top floors or lofts which means when a fire takes hold it spreads, destroying roofs and damaging neighbouring buildings.

“Firefighters can also be exposed to risks when dealing with the fires because of bad wiring and traps at some of the properties.

“It’s important that people know the key signs and inform the police so that they can act swiftly to prevent these dangerous fires from happening.”

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the suspected cannabis factory but has made no arrests. The cause of the fire is also under investigation by London Fire Brigade.

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