Fire tears through suspected cannabis factory in Abbey Wood

A house reportedly being used as a suspected cannabis factory was “destroyed” by a fire on Saturday night.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters were called to the blaze in Ampleforth Road, Abbey Wood.

Eight people from neighbouring properties evacuated their homes before the London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived. Most of the first floor and roof were destroyed by fire.

No injuries are reported by the LFB.

A LFB spokeswoman said: “Cannabis factory fires can be particularly dangerous because of the way criminals use unsafe wiring to illegally obtain electricity 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 Brigade was called at around 9.15pm and the incident was over by around 11.15pm. Fire crews from Plumstead, East Greenwich and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.

(Picture: LFB)