More than 100 firefighters tackle railway embankment blaze in east London

Fire in Walthamstow producing a ‘significant amount of smoke’, says London fire brigade

More than 100 firefighters are tackling a fire at a railway embankment in east London. Twenty-five fire engines and about 125 firefighters were called to the incident near Vallentin Road in Walthamstow. The London fire brigade (LFB) said a number of properties close to the railway line are also affected.

The LFB said the blaze is producing a "significant amount of smoke" and people in the area are advised to close their windows and doors, while motorists have been urged to avoid the area, including Wood Street. The Weaver Overground line has been partially closed. The LFB said it received the first of more than 100 calls at 6.27pm and control officers have mobilised crews from Tottenham, Bethnal Green, Walthamstow, Chingford and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

The cause of the blaze is unknown at this time. Stella Creasy, Labour and Co-op MP for Walthamstow, posted a video from the scene on Instagram. She said: "Please avoid the Wood Street area.

We need to be able to support the families who are being evacuated. "If you can help with refreshments please go to St Mary's Welcome Centre, the team there would appreciate any offers of food and water."