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Rooftop Fire Damages West Drayton Primary and Forces Early Closure

A large firefighting response and water damage mean pupils cannot return before the end of term while the cause is probed.

Overview

  • Fire crews were called to Rabbsfarm Primary on Gordon Road after multiple reports on Thursday July 16, and around 60 firefighters with eight engines fought the blaze.
  • The fire affected part of the school roof and several solar panels and was fully extinguished just after 2pm, the London Fire Brigade said.
  • All 550 pupils and staff were evacuated to Pride Academy on Falling Lane and parents were asked to collect their children.
  • The school announced it will close early for the summer because of water damage, with Year 6 celebrations moved off site while repairs and arrangements are made.
  • The cause is under investigation but the school has said the blaze is believed to have started with a failure of a disused solar panel, and local roads experienced heavy congestion as crews worked.