Ilford Hindu community centre badly damaged in blaze — six fire engines sent, roads closed

A major fire has left a Hindu community centre in Ilford badly damaged after flames tore through the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road at around 8pm.

The single-storey building was found to be fully alight when firefighters arrived. London Fire Brigade confirmed the blaze was brought under control by 9.21pm, with no reported injuries.

Crews were mobilised following 14 emergency calls, with six fire engines and around 40 firefighters dispatched from stations including Ilford, Barking, Stratford, Leyton, Hainault and Romford. A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station was deployed as a water tower to fight the flames from above.

Road closures and safety advice

Redbridge Council reported significant disruption in the surrounding area, with Cleveland Road and Albert Road closed and traffic affected near Ilford Lane and Sunnyside Road. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors shut due to the volume of smoke drifting across the neighbourhood.

Police statement

Neighbourhood officers from the Metropolitan Police first discovered the blaze while on patrol at about 8pm and raised the alarm. Police confirmed the fire is under investigation, though early indications suggest it was not started deliberately.

Extent of damage

The London Fire Brigade said the community centre has sustained a significant level of structural damage. Due to the severity of the destruction, a full examination of the scene is ongoing.

Key facts

• Where: Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre, Cleveland Road, Ilford (Redbridge)

• When: Fire started at 8.00pm, Saturday 30 August 2025; under control by 9.21pm

• Response: 6 fire engines, approx. 40 firefighters; 32m turntable ladder deployed

• Injuries: None reported

• Status: Building heavily damaged; cause under investigation; not believed deliberate

• Traffic: Cleveland Road and Albert Road closed; disruption around Ilford Lane and Sunnyside Road; residents advised to keep windows closed