Abbey Wood Fire: Cannabis Factory Blaze Destroys Home

A devastating fire ripped through a property in Abbey Wood, believed to be a cannabis factory, causing extensive damage and forcing evacuations. The blaze on Ampleforth Road in Bexley saw the first floor and roof of the house engulfed in flames.

The Blaze on Ampleforth Road, Abbey Wood

Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters were mobilised to the scene on Saturday evening. The incident, which began around 9:15 PM, was brought under control by 11:19 PM. Fire crews from Plumstead, East Greenwich, and Bexley stations worked to extinguish the flames.

Most of the first floor and the roof of the house were destroyed by the fire. Eight residents from neighbouring properties were safely evacuated before the Brigade arrived. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Bexley Safety and Crime Prevention Advice

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson highlighted the extreme dangers associated with cannabis factory fires. "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 stated. "They're often in top floors or lofts which means when a fire takes hold it spreads, destroying roofs and damaging neighbouring buildings."

In Bexley, there were 10,568 reported crimes in the year ending March 2023, according to data from Police.uk. Burglary and theft are common concerns in the borough. The Metropolitan Police advise residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Key signs of a cannabis factory include a strong, persistent smell of cannabis, unusually high electricity bills, and properties with windows blacked out or covered.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on an official press release issued by a LFB.

Document: *Fire at suspected cannabis factory - Abbey Wood

Source Link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2024/january/fire-at-suspected-cannabis-factory-abbey-wood/