Around 60 Firefighters Tackle Large Grass Fire in Rainham
Around 60 firefighters were called to tackle a large grass fire near Berwick Pond Road in Rainham this afternoon, after flames spread across approximately six hectares of grassland.
Eight fire engines attended the incident as firefighters worked to prevent the blaze from spreading further across the open land.
The fire has now been brought under control, although crews remain at the scene tackling areas that are still alight using water backpacks and specialist wildfire beaters.
Wildfire beaters, which consist of a long handle with a flat rubber paddle at the end, are used to beat down flames, depriving the fire of oxygen while cooling the affected area.
One of the London Fire Brigade’s specialist Terrain Support Vehicles was also deployed to support the operation.
Designed for off-road incidents, the vehicle allows firefighters to transport equipment closer to fires on difficult terrain. It carries approximately 475 litres of water, along with a backpack blower, ear defenders, wildfire beaters and misting lance technology, enabling crews to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.
The Brigade’s Drone Team was also sent to the scene, providing the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire to assist with directing firefighting operations.
London Fire Brigade Control Officers received the first of 11 emergency calls at 3.25pm, mobilising crews from Addington, Enfield, Bexley and other surrounding fire stations.
The fire was declared under control at 5.12pm.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
With warm and dry conditions continuing across London, the London Fire Brigade is reminding people to take extra care in parks, grassland and open spaces, as vegetation can become tinder dry and fires can spread rapidly.
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