‘Are These Fires Deliberate?’ Residents Fear More Blazes Could Follow After Second Ingrebourne Valley Fire

17th July 202617th July 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Fires, Hornchurch, Ingrebourne Hill, Ingrebourne Valley, LFB, Rainham min read

Residents living near Ingrebourne Valley say they fear more fires could break out and are calling for urgent action, with some expressing concerns that the repeated blazes may not be accidental. However, the cause of the fires has not been established.

Another fire broke out yesterday at Ingrebourne Valley, marking the second blaze in the same area in two days and leaving local people increasingly worried about what is happening.

Firefighters were once again called to tackle the flames in almost the same location and at a similar time to Wednesday’s incident.

Residents say they have reached breaking point and are becoming increasingly concerned that, if these fires continue, more homes, wildlife and open spaces could be put at risk during the current spell of hot, dry weather.

While reporting live from Wednesday’s fire, the Havering Daily observed a number of youths in the area, some of whom were seen moving between bushes, hiding. During yesterday’s incident, video recorded near the scene shows a person riding an electric bike away from the area shortly after the fire became visible.

Several residents have since told the Havering Daily they are reporting suspicious activity to police and are urging anyone who witnesses anything unusual to do the same.

At this stage, the cause of both fires remains unconfirmed.

The repeated fires have also sparked fresh concern for the area’s wildlife. Every blaze destroys valuable habitat, and residents fear that countless birds, insects and small mammals are paying the price each time the flames spread through the grassland.

One resident said: “It’s heartbreaking. Every time there’s a fire, more wildlife loses its home. We just want answers and for something to be done before it happens again.”

With the hot weather set to continue, residents say they are anxious about what the coming days could bring and are calling for anyone with information about the fires to report it to police.

For many in Rainham, the question now is not whether another fire will happen—but how many more their community will have to endure before the cycle is finally broken.