Around 60 firefighters are tackling a grass fire in Romford, east London, after the blaze broke out near Bridport Avenue. Eight fire engines were sent to the scene where approximately three acres of grassland are on fire.
The London Fire Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations. As of 5.45pm, firefighters were still battling the blaze.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Exceptionally high wildfire threat
The fire broke out as London faced an 'exceptionally high' wildfire threat with temperatures surpassing 34C. The UK Fire Severity Index map, produced by the Met Office and managed by Natural England, evaluates how severe a fire could become. According to the map, London will see a risk of 'very high' wildfire severity until Sunday, August 2. However, on Wednesday severity was upgraded to 'exceptionally high' in parts of the capital, including Bromley, Croydon, Dartford, Erith and Thamesmead.
Fire chiefs have warned Londoners not to start blazes in their gardens amid the heightened danger that wildfires could spread rapidly.
