A major incident has been declared in London as firefighters tackle a spate of blazes across the capital, where temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time on Tuesday. More than 400 firefighters have been deployed to at least nine fires that began in the afternoon, with the full extent of casualties and property damage yet to be determined.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Smith described the coming night as 'critical' for keeping the fires under control. He noted that the dry woodland and grassland, exacerbated by the extreme heat, had caused rapid fire spread affecting homes, schools, churches, and other buildings. The LFB is urging the public to only call 999 in genuine emergencies and to avoid barbecues or bonfires in parks or at home.
In Wennington, east London, a grass fire spread to properties, destroying several homes and forcing evacuations. Residents reported that around eight houses and possibly the local church had been destroyed. Janet Hickey, 70, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, said she had to leave all her medication and artwork behind when she and her husband Patrick, 71, were evacuated from their home of 50 years.
Other significant incidents included a grass fire in Upminster that sent smoke over the M25, requiring 30 fire engines and 175 firefighters. A fire in Wembley involving a shop with flats above led to the evacuation of about 50 people. In Dagenham, two people were taken to hospital following a separate fire. The London Ambulance Service said the total number of hospitalisations may not be known until Wednesday.
The Met Police has provided vehicle support to firefighters and stated that some fires will require an ongoing presence through the night. The LFB is investigating all incidents to provide an accurate picture of the damage and any casualties.
