Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are battling a large blaze on Wanstead Flats this evening (Monday 11 August).
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they were called at 6:44pm after more than 30 emergency calls were made by members of the public reporting thick smoke and flames across the open grassland.
Crews from Leytonstone, Stratford, Leyton, and other surrounding stations have been deployed to tackle the fire, which has prompted warnings to nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.
Public Urged to Avoid the Area
The LFB has advised the public to steer clear of Wanstead Flats while emergency crews work, citing both safety concerns and the need to ensure access for firefighting appliances.
At present, there is no information on the cause of the fire. The scale of the blaze, combined with dry summer conditions, has raised fears of it spreading further across the open space.
Wanstead Flats, which forms part of Epping Forest, is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists, and families. Fires in the area have been a recurring summer hazard, often linked to discarded barbecues, litter, or arson.
LFB Statement
An LFB spokesperson said:
“We have eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responding to a grass fire on Wanstead Flats. Please keep doors and windows closed if you live nearby, and avoid the area where possible.”
There have been no reports of injuries. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected later this evening.
