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Three major wildfires broke out across East London on Monday evening, prompting an emergency response from more than 250 firefighters as flames ripped through parks, woodland, and residential back gardens.
Separate fires ignited in Dagenham, Hornchurch, and Walthamstow Marshes, with the London Fire Brigade declaring it one of the most intense wildfire nights in the capital in recent memory.
Dagenham: Homes Evacuated as Beam Valley Burns
The first call came in at 6:30pm as plumes of black smoke towered above Beam Valley Country Park behind Clemence Road, Dagenham.
- 20 fire engines and 125 firefighters battled flames spreading across eight hectares of dry grassland, trees, fences, and garden furniture.
- Nearby terraced homes were evacuated, with video showing mothers fleeing with children as PCSOs banged on doors to warn residents.
- “Firefighters worked extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties,” said Firefighter Craig Fenner.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Hornchurch: 60 Firefighters Tackle Wingletye Lane Blaze
At 8:10pm, crews were diverted to a second blaze behind homes on Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, where six hectares of dry grassland ignited.
- Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters from as far as Soho and Kentish Town responded.
- Residents were again urged to keep windows and doors shut due to thick smoke.
No injuries have been reported.
Walthamstow Marshes: Grassland Fire Near Reservoir
By 10:45pm, a third wildfire had erupted at Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow Marshes, near the Lea Valley reservoirs.
- 60 firefighters were deployed, including support from Brixton crews.
- Around three hectares of nature reserve were ablaze as of 11pm.
Local MP Stella Creasy said on X (formerly Twitter):
“Walthamstow, this is heartbreaking. Please avoid the scene and follow the fire brigade for updates.”
Wildfire Fears Grow Across South East
The night’s chaos follows an earlier wildfire in Maldon, Essex, where fire officials confirmed a one-hectare blaze near Chelmer Blackwater Reserve was started deliberately.
Amid rising temperatures, Thames Water has now declared a hosepipe ban for Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Berkshire starting next Tuesday, joining Yorkshire in drought measures.
Public Urged to Be Vigilant
A spokesperson for Essex Fire & Rescue warned:
“Many wildfires are caused by careless or reckless behaviour. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in the countryside, call 101.”
Residents across London and the South East are being urged to remain alert as dry, tinderbox conditions persist.
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