Firefighters tackled two large grass fires in east London on Thursday, as the capital remained under severe wildfire risk.
Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines were deployed to a blaze near South End Road in Hornchurch, where approximately six hectares of grassland were alight. The London Fire Brigade received the first call at 1:18pm and brought the fire under control by 3:22pm.
Second Blaze in Rainham
Soon after, another fire broke out near Berwick Pond Road in Rainham, also requiring eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters. The brigade took 11 calls starting at 3:35pm, with the fire under control by 5:12pm. The causes of both fires are under investigation.
These fires came a day after around 120 firefighters battled two major grass fires in Romford on Wednesday.
The risk of wildfires in London is currently rated as "very high" by a Natural England fire severity index, as the city is officially in a drought.
Busiest Day of the Year
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that Wednesday was its busiest 24 hours of 2026, with crews tackling 63 grass fires across the capital as temperatures exceeded 30°C (86°F). Control officers handled more than 1,300 emergency calls, and firefighters responded to over 500 incidents. Almost 1,000 calls about grass fires have been received in the past week.
To combat the blazes, firefighters used backpack blowers to push flames back into already burnt areas, as well as wildfire beaters to deprive flames of oxygen.
Assistant commissioner Andy Pennick described the past 24 hours as "incredibly challenging" for firefighters and control staff, who faced "arduous, hot conditions". He said: "In these hot, dry conditions, grass fires can spread incredibly quickly, threatening homes, wildlife and the environment, while tying up vital emergency resources."
Mr Pennick urged people not to use disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces, to dispose of cigarettes responsibly, and to take litter home if bins are full. He also advised keeping home barbecues away from fences, sheds and trees, and clearing dry vegetation from around buildings.
