Train services to and from London Stansted were cancelled or delayed on Sunday after wildfires erupted close to the tracks in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, shortly before 3pm. Services serving London Liverpool Street were halted, causing travel chaos for passengers heading to and from Stansted Airport.
Greater Anglia said the London Fire Brigade called for trains to be stopped because of the fire's proximity to the railway lines. Services to and from Stansted Airport, Cambridge North, Meridian Water and Hertford East have all been affected. Services operating through these stations can expect to be delayed, cancelled or diverted through Seven Sisters, Greater Anglia added.
Diversions via Seven Sisters
A Stansted Express spokesperson said: "Train services running through this station may be delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Disruption is expected until further notice."
"Unfortunately, we have received reports of multiple fires close to the railway lines and as a result, and a safety precaution, the London Fire Brigade have instructed that all train movements in the area be stopped."
"In reaction trains towards and from Liverpool Street will be diverted via Seven Sisters until further notice."
Fire brigade response
An LFB spokesman said: "One of the Brigade's Terrain Support Vehicles has been sent to the scene to support firefighting efforts. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground."
"Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely."
Network Rail on site
The Stansted Express spokesperson added: "Network Rail and the emergency response team are on site working as quickly as possible to put out the fires and restore the train service to normal."
