Blazing Heat Sparks Massive Grass Fire in Slade Green
Firefighters rushed to Howbury Lane this afternoon after a huge grass fire broke out, engulfing around two hectares of dry land in flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Rapid Response as Flames Spread
The blaze erupted in a local recreation area, fueled by the ongoing warm weather drying out the grass. The fire service received 18 emergency calls, with the first alert at 2:44pm. By 3:31pm, the fire was successfully extinguished.
Four fire engines and roughly 25 firefighters from Bexley, Plumstead, and Kent Fire and Rescue joined forces to douse the flames.
Fire Brigade Urges Caution: Dry Grass is Danger Zone
“The warmer weather we’ve been having makes the ground extremely dry, meaning grassland and parks can ignite from the smallest spark,” warned a Fire Brigade spokesperson. “If you spot a grass fire, don’t try to tackle it yourself. Fires can spread fast and change direction suddenly. Call the Fire Department immediately with the location.”
Top Tips to Stop Grass Fires This Summer
- No barbecues in parks, public spaces, or on balconies.
- Clear away bottles, glasses, or broken glass—they can magnify sunlight and ignite fires.
- Dispose of cigarettes safely. Never flick them onto dry grass or out of car windows.
- Don’t leave barbecues unattended and always put them out properly.
- Extinguish disposable barbecues fully before discarding—they can stay hot and spark fires long after use.
Stay alert and keep our green spaces safe this blazing season!
