Suspected cannabis factory at centre of fire emergency

Half of an industrial unit in Peckham suspected of being used as a cannabis factory has been destroyed by fire.

Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Devonshire Grove after being called out at around 11pm on Sunday.

There were no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire has been declared as ‘undetermined’.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman 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 brigade’s 999 control officers mobilised crews from Peckham, New Cross, Deptford and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by around 1.50am.

Picture: LFB