Major fire tears through outbuilding in Rainham
Fresh images taken today lay bare the damage from yesterday’s large fire on Berwick Pond Road in Rainham. London Fire Brigade (LFB) says it believes the blaze was accidental and started after a cigarette was disposed of unsafely, prompting a renewed plea for care during hot, dry weather.
The incident sparked a sizeable emergency response, with 12 fire engines and around 80 firefighters sent to the scene. Crews confronted flames that had ripped through a brick outbuilding on a commercial site. The structure suffered severe damage and partially collapsed, while nearby open ground also caught alight. Firefighters additionally worked to cool several cylinders exposed to intense heat to prevent escalation. There were no reports of injuries.
Response and timeline
Calls first reached the Brigade at 12:59, drawing crews from Wennington, Hornchurch, Barking and surrounding stations, with assistance from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters brought the situation under control by 15:54, containing the spread and making the area safe.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Berwick Pond Road, Rainham |
| Cause (believed) | Unsafe disposal of a cigarette |
| Fire engines | 12 |
| Firefighters | About 80 |
| First call | 12:59 |
| Under control | 15:54 |
| Assisting service | Essex County Fire and Rescue Service |
| Injuries | None reported |
Brigade issues urgent reminder to smokers
With a spell of dry weather making vegetation and ground cover more vulnerable to sparks, the Brigade urged residents—particularly smokers—to take extra care. A spokesperson warned that fires can develop quickly in current conditions and highlighted the role of discarded cigarettes in many grass and land fires.
“If you’re a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it… It only takes a few sparks to ignite dry grass, shrubs, or litter and many grass and land fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.”
The spokesperson also cautioned against flicking ash from balconies or throwing cigarette ends out of vehicle windows, both of which can ignite tinder-dry material along verges and in communal outdoor spaces.
Damage at the scene and what residents should know
Today’s photographs show the outbuilding’s walls buckled and debris scattered, underlining how rapidly a small ignition source can escalate when the ground is parched. Firefighters’ work to cool exposed cylinders was a crucial safety step to reduce the risk of explosions, while tackling the fire on adjacent land prevented further spread.
Although the site is now safe and no injuries were reported, the incident serves as a clear warning as the borough moves through a warmer, drier spell. Even areas that appear green can harbour patches of very dry grass and litter, which catch easily and burn fast. The Brigade’s message is straightforward and practical:
- Make absolutely certain cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal—use water or sand where possible.
- Never throw cigarette ends from car windows; carry a portable ash receptacle if needed.
- If smoking on balconies or shared outdoor areas, keep an ashtray to hand and avoid flicking ash over the edge.
Thanks to cross-border crews and local vigilance
The attendance of crews from nearby stations—supported by colleagues from Essex—illustrates how resources are shared swiftly when a fire threatens to grow. Quick action limited the blaze to the outbuilding and a patch of open ground. For residents and businesses close to Berwick Pond Road, the most important advice today is to stay alert to the fire risk that comes with heat and wind, and to report smoke or flames without delay.
As the clean-up continues, the Brigade’s core message stands: simple steps by smokers can prevent emergencies. In warm, gusty conditions, that final check of a cigarette stub can be the difference between a quiet afternoon and a call-out involving dozens of firefighters.
