On Monday evening, over 200 firefighters responded to three distinct grass fires in east London.
Residents in Dagenham were advised to evacuate their homes temporarily after a blaze engulfed eight hectares (20 acres) of grassland, shrubs, trees, fences, and garden furniture near Beam Parklands.
Firefighters employed wildfire beaters to combat the flames that ravaged open land close to Wingletye Lane in Hornchurch, while a third fire at Walthamstow Marshes was successfully brought under control.
The fires have since been extinguished, and an investigation into their cause is underway, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) cautioning that the hot and dry weather could lead to a “challenging summer.”
Around 125 firefighters responded to the most significant fire in Dagenham, which threatened nearby homes.
Station Commander Matt Hayward noted, “The firefighters made tremendous efforts to stop the fire from advancing towards adjacent properties.”
The blaze had already reached several garden fences, sheds, and outdoor furniture.
According to Hayward, jets and wildfire beaters were utilized to prevent the flames from encroaching on homes.
The LFB also mentioned that fire breaks established by local authorities were crucial in stopping the fire from advancing into residential neighborhoods.
While the occurrence of three such fires in one evening was “significant,” brigade officials stated it was not unusual, and crews are preparing for additional incidents like these.
“All of our firefighters have been undergoing advanced training in wildfire response to prepare for what could turn into another challenging summer,” stated LFB.
They have urged London residents to act “responsibly” to help avert future fires.
“As the conditions have been quite dry, just a few sparks can lead to a rapidly spreading fire,” advised an LFB spokesperson.
“In London, this poses a significant risk because many of our green spaces are located near homes and other structures.”
People are specifically reminded to refrain from using disposable barbecues in parks or fields and to avoid using them on wooden decks in private properties.
