London is facing the threat of severe wildfires as forecasts show little sign of rain in the capital. The risk from blazes, now officially in a drought, is 'very high' today according to a Natural England fire severity index.
Firefighters Battle Grass Fires in Romford
Around 120 firefighters tackled two major grass fires in Romford, east London, yesterday. Eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters responded to a grass fire near Southern Way, damaging around four acres of grassland. Another eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters tackled a separate fire near Eastern Avenue West, damaging around 20 acres westbound and 10 acres eastbound. The fires were brought under control by 17:50 and 19:16 respectively.
Station Commander Ryan Kerby said: "Firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and protect nearby properties." He urged people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Drought Declared Across Southern England
The Environment Agency announced that London, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Thames Valley, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex are all officially in drought. This is the third drought in five years.
Cooler Weather Ahead
Temperatures in London are expected to reach 27°C today, after a high of 34°C yesterday. The Met Office's Niamh Murray said: "The odd shower is possible through tomorrow afternoon and evening, but not very much in the way of accumulation." She added that a weak cold front could bring one or two drops of rain, with dry and settled conditions through the weekend. Monday may see some rain, though it is uncertain.
Suffolk Heathland Blaze
A major incident has been declared in Suffolk after a large heathland fire erupted on the coast at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston.
