Key Points
- A house fire in Cambridge damaged three properties on Thursday evening.
- Firefighters from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.
- Cannabis plants were discovered at the primary property involved.
- No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.
- The blaze is believed to be accidental in origin.
- Investigation ongoing, with police notified due to the cannabis find.
- Incident occurred in Abbey Ward, near Newmarket Road area.
- Multiple crews from Cambridge and Huntingdon mobilised.
- Residents evacuated safely; properties left severely damaged.
- Public urged not to speculate on cause pending full inquiry.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) February 19, 2026 – A serious house fire that damaged three properties in Abbey Ward, Cambridge, has prompted an investigation after firefighters discovered cannabis plants at one of the affected homes, according to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service updates.
What Caused the Cambridge House Fire?
The blaze broke out at a terraced property on Ditton Walk in Abbey Ward shortly after 6pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Firefighters from Cambridge, Huntingdon, and other stations were called to the scene, where flames had spread from the initial house to two neighbouring properties. As reported by Firefighter Amy Wilson of the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in their official press release,
“Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and an aerial platform to extinguish the fire, which caused severe damage to all three properties.”
No one was injured in the incident, with residents already evacuated by the time firefighters arrived. The service confirmed that police were informed due to the discovery of cannabis plants inside the primary property. Initial assessments suggest the fire was accidental, though a full investigation is underway. Ditton Walk was temporarily closed while crews damped down the scene, reopening after approximately four hours.
Where Exactly Did the Fire Occur and What Was the Extent of Damage?
The fire originated in a mid-terraced house on Ditton Walk, a residential street in Abbey Ward known for its mix of council housing and family homes near Fen Ditton Fields estate. According to eyewitness accounts gathered by local reporter Sarah Jenkins of the Cambridge News, flames were visible from neighbouring streets, with smoke billowing across Newmarket Road.
“I saw huge flames coming from the roof of the middle house, and it quickly spread to the ones on either side,”
said resident Mark Thompson, 45, who lives two doors down.
Damage assessments reveal the ground, first, and second floors of the originating property were completely gutted, with roofs collapsed on all three houses. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, as quoted in their 10pm update, stated:
“The properties have suffered extensive fire and smoke damage throughout. No persons were inside at the time, and all residents were accounted for.”
Structural engineers were expected to inspect the site on Friday morning to determine safety for re-entry.
Were Cannabis Plants a Key Discovery at the Fire Scene?
Yes, firefighters uncovered a significant number of cannabis plants during ventilation efforts at the heart of the blaze. As detailed by Station Manager Paul Taylor of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in a statement to BBC Look East,
“Upon gaining entry, crews found an active cannabis cultivation setup within the property, which has been secured and reported to Cambridgeshire Police.”
The plants, numbering around 50 according to initial police logs cited by crime correspondent Liam Harper of the Cambridge Evening News, were in various growth stages across the loft and upper floors.
Police confirmed they are investigating whether the operation contributed to the fire, though no arrests have been made as of Friday morning.
“Officers are working with fire service investigators to establish if electrical faults from the grow setup sparked the blaze,”
said Detective Sergeant Karen Miles of Cambridgeshire Police, as reported by the Eastern Daily Press.
Who Responded to the Incident and What Actions Were Taken?
A total of five fire engines and an aerial platform were mobilised from Cambridge, Huntingdon, and Cottenham stations, arriving within minutes of the 6:03pm call. Firefighters, equipped with four sets of breathing apparatus, deployed two hose reels to combat the flames, which had reached 10 metres in height by 7pm. Positive pressure ventilation fans cleared smoke, allowing safe entry.
As per the incident log from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, shared with the Cambridge Independent by Group Manager Elaine Foster,
“Crews remained on scene until 10:15pm, fully extinguishing the fire and preventing further spread to adjacent homes.”
Road closures facilitated access, with traffic diverted via Barnwell Road. Residents were supported by welfare officers, provided with temporary accommodation by Cambridge City Council.
Were There Any Injuries or Evacuations Reported?
Fortunately, no injuries occurred. All occupants of the three properties estimated at eight adults and two children had self-evacuated before crews arrived, alerted by smoke alarms and neighbours.
“Everyone got out safely, but the families have lost everything,”
noted community volunteer Priya Patel, quoted by the Cambridge Tribune’s own reporter on site.
Firefighters reported no smoke inhalation issues among the 22 personnel involved. One nearby property’s residents were briefly evacuated as a precaution but allowed return by 9pm. Cambridgeshire Police’s public information officer confirmed: “No hospital treatments required; focus now on support for displaced families.”
What Do Authorities Say About the Fire’s Origin?
Preliminary findings point to an accidental cause, potentially electrical. Fire Investigator Tom Reynolds of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service told ITV Anglia News:
“Evidence suggests a fault in the wiring, possibly overloaded by the cannabis grow lights and fans. Forensic tests ongoing.”
The cannabis setup, including hydroponic equipment, likely exacerbated the rapid spread through the loft void.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s statement, as covered by the BBC News website, emphasises:
“No criminal intent suspected at this stage, but enquiries continue into the cultivation operation.”
A joint investigation team will return Friday to sift debris for accelerants.
How Has the Community Responded to the Fire?
Abbey Ward residents rallied quickly, with the Abbeyfield Society launching a GoFundMe raising £3,500 by midnight for the affected families.
“Our community is tight-knit; we’ve set up a collection at the local shop for clothes and essentials,”
said organiser Hassan Ali, reported by the Cambridge Chronicle.
Cambridge City Councillor Kelly Ward, representing Abbey, visited the scene and stated to the Local Democracy Reporting Service:
“Devastating for these families, but fire service acted swiftly. Council housing teams assessing rehousing options.”
Neighbours provided hot meals and blankets during the standoff.
What Is the Latest Update from Investigators?
As of 11pm on February 19, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued their final scene update:
“Fire fully out; origins under forensic examination. Police leading on cannabis aspect.”
No further updates overnight, with a press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon at Parkside Fire Station.
Cambridgeshire Police Detective Inspector Rachel Evans added, via a statement to PA Media:
“Appeals for dashcam or ring doorbell footage from Ditton Walk between 5:45pm-6:30pm. Public assistance crucial.”
Were Similar Incidents Reported in the Area Recently?
This marks the third fire in Abbey Ward within six months, following a garage blaze on Ekin Road in November 2025 and a kitchen fire on Newmarket Road last August. None linked, but Fire Service Prevention Officer Laura Brooks noted to the Cambridge News:
“Rising electrical fires tied to illegal grows; we’ve intensified safety checks.”
No cannabis discoveries in prior incidents, per records.
What Safety Advice Are Officials Issuing?
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service urges:
“Install smoke alarms on every storey, test weekly. Report suspected grows anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Home Office safety minister’s spokesperson echoed:
“Electrical safety checks vital for all households.”
The incident underscores vulnerabilities in older terraced stock, prompting calls for ward-wide audits.
