Why Are So Many Fires Breaking Out at Ingrebourne Valley? Residents Demand Answers
As firefighters continue to battle yet another series of grass fires at Ingrebourne Valley, frustrated residents are asking the same question: why does this keep happening?
A Rainham resident, who asked not to be named, has spoken to the Havering Daily about what they describe as an ongoing problem at the country park between Elm Park and Rainham.
This week alone, fires have broken out in the area every day. On Wednesday, firefighters were called to two separate grass fires at the location, adding to what residents say has become an increasingly regular and worrying occurrence.
The resident believes the repeated incidents cannot simply be dismissed as a consequence of the recent hot weather.
“People keep saying it’s summer and grass fires happen, but why aren’t we seeing the same number of fires every day in places like Upminster or Romford?” the resident said/
The resident also described regularly seeing groups of youths riding e-bikes through the country park.
“For people living nearby, we see groups of kids on e-bikes in the park. We have seen some with what appear to be blow torches or long barbecue-style lighters. We are not saying these young people are responsible for starting the fires, but these are things that local people are witnessing and believe should be investigated properly.”
The resident also criticised the official response to the repeated fires.
“Truthfully, we are fed up.We have seen a ridiculous response from the police who confirmed that investigations into the fires are ongoing and have stated that there was no evidence to indicate the fires had been started deliberately. We just want a thorough investigation and for someone to take our concerns seriously.
The resident also expressed disappointment at what they describe as a lack of response from organisations responsible for managing the area.
“Many local residents have contacted Forestry England but have received no response. These fires seem to happen at similar times and in similar places. They are destroying our wildlife, filling Rainham with smoke and using valuable London Fire Brigade resources that could be needed elsewhere.”
The repeated blazes have placed additional pressure on London Fire Brigade crews, who have spent much of the recent spell of hot weather tackling grass fires across Havering. Residents have praised firefighters for their professionalism and bravery, but say more now needs to be done to prevent the fires from occurring in the first place.
Each fire not only threatens nearby homes and public safety but also destroys precious habitats for birds, mammals and insects living within one of Havering’s most important green spaces.
Local people are now calling for increased patrols, greater engagement with residents and a coordinated response from all agencies responsible for protecting the area.
The Havering Daily contacted Forestry England and we have not received a response.
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