Wanstead Flats fire: More than 200 firefighters tackle major grass fire near Stratford
More than 200 firefighters are tackling a huge grass fire which has sent large plumes of smoke over east London.
The blaze broke out in Wanstead Flats, an area of grassland, near Stratford, just after 4pm today.
Forty fire engines and more than 225 firefighters are at the scene tackling the blaze.
Very large fire on the tinder-dry #WansteadFlats. Very heavy smoke will affect roads in the area. Whether on foot or driving please avoid the area for the time being.@LFBWForest pic.twitter.com/5D4SNa1k0S
— Cann Hall Police (@MPSCannHall) July 15, 2018
Pictures from the scene show huge flames and heavy smoke coming from a large area of grassland.
Around 100 hectares of grass is alight but there is no immediate risk to property.
Rob Davies, London Fire Brigade Group Manager, who is at the scene, said: "Keep windows and doors shut, a lot of smoke is drifting across roads and while there is no immediate threat to property you should avoid the area if you can.
"Crews are working very hard at the scene and are using a variety of hose reels, water packs but also beaters to tackle the fire."
Wanstead flats fire now #staysafe #wansteadflats pic.twitter.com/0wemgOnu4W
— Sam Saleh (@Sam_Saleh) July 15, 2018
Some residents reported that they have been evacuated from their homes during the blaze.
The thick smoke is currently affecting the roads in the local area – with some closures in place.
The London Fire Brigade, which have received more than 110 calls about the blaze, has said to avoid the area if possible.
Hope this gets under control soon. I love the heat in the summer but this is what I was dreading could happen because of how dry the grass is everywhere in London. Stay safe everybody (crossing fingers that our beautiful #Wansteadflats can be saved). https://t.co/e2qS46PhY3
— Marieta Evans (@MarietaEvans) July 15, 2018
It comes after fifteen fire engines and 97 firefighters fought a grass fire near to Heathrow airport on Saturday evening.
Grassland the size of five football pitches was damaged by the six-hour long blaze in west London.
Marieta Evans tweeted: "I love the heat in the summer but this is what I was dreading could happen because of how dry the grass is everywhere in London."