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Firefighters tackled a grass and scrubland blaze on Dagenham Road last night (Sunday 30 June), as London faces heightened wildfire risks amid soaring temperatures.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to the scene after receiving the first of 15 emergency calls at 7.59pm. Crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service brought the fire under control by 8.52pm.
Public Urged to Act Responsibly During Heatwave
In a statement, a London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned:
“London is already facing its second heatwave of the year… The high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months mean the current risk of wildfires is severe.
“It only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. Many of our green spaces lie close to homes and properties.”
Fire Safety Guidance from LFB
Residents and park goers are reminded:
- Avoid using disposable BBQs, especially in parks and green spaces – they remain hot for hours and are banned in many locations.
- Do not burn waste or start bonfires in dry conditions, particularly in gardens.
- Extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of litter responsibly.
- At home, keep BBQs well away from fences, trees, sheds, and decking and never use them on balconies.
The fire on Dagenham Road serves as a stark reminder of how quickly dry conditions can escalate into dangerous blazes.
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