Blazes Blaze Across London: Enfield, Hayes, Thamesmead Hit by Wildfires
London fire crews battled multiple grass and shrub fires this weekend, with major blazes ripping through Enfield, Hayes, and Thamesmead. Several smaller fires also broke out, keeping firefighters on high alert amid scorching, dry conditions.
Enfield Grass Fire Wrecks 300m Strip of Land
At 2:53pm Saturday, firefighters rushed to Bell Lane, Enfield, where a fire devoured a 300m by 50m patch of grass and shrubland. Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters from Finchley, Southgate, Leytonstone, and Essex Fire Service nailed the blaze by 4:03am.
Hayes and Manor Park Hit Hard – Hundreds of Hectares Lost
Hours later, a fierce fire ripped through a hectare of shrubland behind a Hayes cricket club on The Green. Called at 5:21pm, fire crews from Hillingdon, Hayes, Southall, and Northolt doused the flames by 7:10pm.
But the worst was yet to come. At 7:12pm, firefighters were summoned to Capel Road, Manor Park. The peat, grass, and shrub fire obliterated around three hectares. The effort involved six engines and 40 firefighters from Leytonstone, Ilford, Leyton, Woodford, Poplar, and Homerton. The fire was finally out by 9:18pm.
Small Blaze in Hornchurch Snuffed Out Quickly
On Sunday evening, a smaller blaze destroyed 50 square metres of grass and shrubs on Gladiator Way, Hornchurch. Four engines from Barking, Hornchurch, Ilford, and Hainault tackled the fire, calling it out by 8:55pm.
Fire Brigade Urges Caution Amid Scorching Heatwave
No injuries were reported across these fires, but London Fire Brigade’s 999 Control Officers handled a staggering 79 calls. A Brigade spokesperson warned:
“There are still high temperatures forecast, and the ground remains dry. We urge everyone to be extra careful this summer to help us prevent fires on open land.”
They added:
“Make sure all rubbish, especially glass, is disposed of properly. Always extinguish cigarettes fully. Avoid barbecues in parks and public spaces after hot weather spells.”
With temperatures soaring, authorities warn the risk of wildfires remains high. Stay vigilant and stay safe.
