Wildfire breaks out as latest heatwave hits capital
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have responded to a fire on Wanstead Flats, in Epping Forest, on Monday.
Crews from London Fire Brigade found three hectares of grassland alight, with crews tackling multiple pockets of fire.
Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed, and avoid the area where possible.
The fire was contained just before 8pm, but firefighters remained on scene this evening, carrying out further operations.
One of the Brigade's Wildfire Response Vehicles was sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. Firefighters also made use of a drone to monitor the size of the fire.
The Brigade's Control Room has taken over 30 calls reporting the fire, and crews from Leytonstone, Stratford, Leyton and surrounding fire stations have been mobilised to the scene.
It comes as forecasters have warned of several days of hot and humid conditions, as London experiences its fourth heatwave this summer.
Yellow heat health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, are already in place for most of England – excluding the north-east and north-west – from Monday to Wednesday.
The Met Office says the official heatwave criteria will be met across many areas, with three consecutive days of temperatures above thresholds that range between 25C and 28C depending on location.
In London, temperatures were forecast to reach 29C on Monday, rise to 32C on Tuesday and hit 28C on Wednesday.
As the upgrade to amber health alerts was announced, Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: 'Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30°C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.
'These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions - so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
'If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.'
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