Residents evacuated as Fire brigade tackle three east London wildfires
The separate blazes broke out in Dagenham, Hornchurch and Walthamstow.
Residents have been temporarily evacuated from their homes after a wildfire broke out in East London on Monday evening.
Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were used to bring the blaze near Clemence Road, Dagenham under control, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
LFB added that the fire had covered approximately eight hectares of grass and shrubland.
While fences, sheds and garden furniture were damaged, firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to homes in the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Station commander Matt Hayward said: "Firefighters worked extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties.
"The fire had reached some garden fences, sheds and garden furniture. As well as our jets, we used wildfire beaters to beat the flames and stop them from reaching the properties.
"We also thank Barking and Dagenham Council, who had put fire breaks in place, which helped stop the fire from reaching the properties.
"We also had great support from our blue light colleagues, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and the London Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team.
"Firefighters will remain at the scene for the next few hours to continue to dampen down the surrounding area."
One of four wildfire response vehicles currently being trialled by LFB was deployed to the incident.
The vehicles, which have off-road capabilities, enabling equipment to be brought closer to fires on open ground and allow firefighters to pump water and drive, making tackling grass fires quicker and safer.
More than 75 calls were received from 6.30pm on Monday regarding the incident, with the fire brought under control by 9.46pm.
Fire in Hornchurch
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire near Wingletye Lane in Hornchurch.
Firefighters tackled a fire where around eight hectares of grassland were destroyed.
Wildfire beaters were used to tackle the fire. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "All of our firefighters have been undergoing enhanced wildfire response training in preparation for what could be another challenging summer. All Brigade officers are now trained in fire tactics for dealing with wildfires and fires occurring at the urban rural interface within London. This is another example of how we are adapting our training to new and emerging risks.2
The Brigade was called at 2010 and mobilised crews from Barking, Kentish Town, Soho and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2231.
The cause of the fie is under investigation.
Third fire in Walthamstow
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire on Walthamstow Marshes, the third of the night.
Around three hectares of of grassland was destroyed by fire.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson added: “During the hot weather, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.
The Brigade's Control Office received the first of 49 calls about the fire at 2055 and mobilised crews from Homerton, Finchley, Stoke Newington and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The fire was under control by 2323.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.