Havering Records London’s Highest Number of Grass Fires as Fire Brigade Faces Busiest Day of 2026

30th July 202630th July 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Havering, LFB, London, Wildfires min read

Havering recorded more grass fires than any other London borough as firefighters battled soaring temperatures and dangerous wildfire conditions during the London Fire Brigade’s busiest 24-hour period of the year.

As temperatures climbed above 30°C across parts of the capital and weeks of dry weather left grassland tinder dry, Havering experienced the highest number of grass fires in London, with 47 incidents recorded in just one week. Neighbouring Barking and Dagenham recorded the second highest number with 16 incidents.

Across London, the Brigade responded to 63 separate grass fires in just 24 hours on 29 July, making it the busiest day for grass fires so far in 2026.

London Fire Brigade’s Control Officers answered more than 1,300 emergency calls, while firefighters attended more than 500 incidents, including 218 calls relating to grass fires. Over the previous week alone, almost 1,000 emergency calls were made relating to grass fires.

Havering firefighters were kept exceptionally busy as crews responded to a series of significant incidents across the borough.

In Rainham, around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines tackled a major blaze that destroyed approximately four hectares of grassland.

Firefighters also attended two separate grass fires on Ingrebourne Hill, where almost five hectares of grassland were damaged.

In Romford, eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire on Eastern Avenue, while another major incident on Southern Way saw approximately four acres of grassland destroyed.

Another fire on London Road, Romford, damaged around four hectares of grassland, while six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters also attended an outbuilding fire elsewhere in the town.

Hornchurch crews were also kept busy, responding to a grass fire in Hornchurch Country Park, a separate incident that damaged around two hectares of grassland, and a fire involving rear gardens where six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were required.

Despite the exceptional demand placed upon the Brigade, emergency cover remained in place across London by continually moving resources to where they were needed most. Specialist Terrain Support Vehicles remained available to tackle wildfire incidents, while water rescue teams continued protecting London’s extensive waterways.

Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick praised the efforts of firefighters and Control Officers.

“The last 24 hours have been incredibly challenging for our firefighters, Control Officers and support staff, who have worked tirelessly in demanding conditions to keep Londoners safe,” he said.

“While we’ve been fully prepared to respond, the public has an important role to play in preventing fires from starting in the first place. In these hot, dry conditions, grass fires can spread incredibly quickly, threatening homes, wildlife and the environment, while tying up vital emergency resources.”

The Brigade is urging residents across Havering to remain vigilant while the hot weather continues.

People are advised not to use disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces, to dispose of cigarettes responsibly, and to take litter home if public bins are full.

If using a barbecue at home, it should be kept well away from fences, sheds, trees and other combustible materials. Residents are also encouraged to clear dry vegetation and garden waste from around their homes to reduce the risk of fire spreading.

Should anyone discover a grass or wildfire, they should move to a place of safety immediately and dial 999, providing the emergency services with the most accurate location possible. The London Fire Brigade also recommends downloading the what3words app, which can help pinpoint exact locations during emergencies.

Following a week that saw Havering experience more grass fires than anywhere else in London, firefighters are reminding residents that even the smallest spark can quickly develop into a major incident in the current dry conditions.

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