Photos Reveal Extent of Rainham Fire Damage as Firefighters Issue Urgent Smoking Warning

14th July 202614th July 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Berwick Pond Manor, Fire, LFB, Rainham min read

New photographs show the devastating aftermath of yesterday’s major fire on Berwick Pond Road in Rainham, as London Fire Brigade confirms the blaze is believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.

The images reveal the extent of the destruction left behind after the fire tore through a brick outbuilding at a commercial property, prompting a major emergency response involving 12 fire engines and around 80 firefighters.

The outbuilding suffered severe structural damage and partially collapsed as a result of the blaze. Firefighters also worked to cool a number of cylinders that had been exposed to the intense heat, while crews tackled an area of nearby open ground that had also caught fire.

Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.

London Fire Brigade has now confirmed the fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:

“If you’re a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life.

“With the dry weather conditions that London has been seeing, any fire can quickly get out of control. It only takes a few sparks to ignite dry grass, shrubs, or litter and many grass and land fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.

“Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows and if you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.”

The Brigade was first called to the incident at 12.59pm, with firefighters from Wennington, Hornchurch, Barking and surrounding fire stations mobilised to the scene. Crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service also assisted in tackling the blaze.

Firefighters brought the incident under control by 3.54pm.

The photographs, taken today, highlight just how destructive the fire was and serve as a stark reminder of how quickly a carelessly discarded cigarette can spark a major incident—particularly during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.

London Fire Brigade is urging smokers to dispose of cigarettes responsibly and to take extra care during the current dry conditions to put their cigarettes out safely.