Forty Firefighters Attend Rainham Fire.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were in attendance at a fire near Berwick Pond Road in Rainham yesterday.

The incident affected a woodland area near Hornchurch Country Park.

The Brigade received the first of 18 calls at 1556 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Harold Hill and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1827.

One of the Brigade’s Terrain Support Vehicles was also in attendance. The Terrain Support 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, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires and wildfires more quickly and safely.

Help prevent wildfires

This afternoon, four fire engines have also attended a fire affecting an acre of heathland on Great Chertsey Road in Feltham. Crews have also been responding to further calls to grass alight at locations across Havering.

With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees celcius and a heightened risk of wildfires in place until at least Friday in London, the Brigade is urging everyone to take care outdoors to help prevent grass fires starting, whether that be accidentally or deliberately.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt said: “We had a wetter-than-usual winter, which allowed vegetation to grow, followed by one of the driest Aprils on record, so the risk of wildfire is very real.  

“The Natural Hazards Partnership has assessed there is a heightened risk of wildfires in London so we must all play our part to protect our green spaces and surrounding communities. In particular, we’d encourage parents to talk to their children about our advice, to help young people to stay safe.”  

People can help prevent grass fires and wildfires by not using disposable barbecues, which are banned in many of London’s parks, as well as being careful about how they dispose of cigarettes. Rubbish should also be taken home if no bins are available.

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