Hornchurch Country Park wildfire draws 90 firefighters as smoke spreads
London Fire Brigade crews from four stations tackle multiple seats of fire after dry conditions turn park into tinderbox
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A wildfire broke out at Hornchurch Country Park on Friday evening, prompting a large-scale response from the London Fire Brigade. Fourteen fire engines and around ninety firefighters were sent to the scene after reports of multiple seats of fire. Crews from Romford, Ilford, Hornchurch and nearby stations are working to bring the blaze under control.
The fire has produced a significant amount of smoke, leading the Brigade to advise residents in the area to keep doors and windows closed. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the incident follows a prolonged period of hot and dry weather that has left parks across London vulnerable to ignition.
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Record wildfire numbers prompt warnings
The National Fire Chiefs Council reported that more than 1,000 wildfires have already been recorded in England and Wales this year. This matches the total from 2023, which set a record for wildfire incidents. The data underscores the heightened risk posed by dry conditions and high temperatures.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged residents to create fire breaks in their gardens to reduce the risk of flames spreading to homes. The London Fire Brigade has also warned that garden waste and debris can act as fuel for fires, increasing the danger during heatwaves.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham called on retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues, which have been linked to several wildfires in recent years. The plea follows similar warnings from fire services across the country as temperatures remain high.
What happens next
Firefighters will continue to tackle the blaze at Hornchurch Country Park, though the London Fire Brigade has not provided a timeline for when the fire will be fully extinguished. Residents are advised to monitor local updates and follow safety advice regarding smoke and potential evacuation notices.
The Brigade has not yet confirmed whether an investigation into the cause of the fire will take place. If arson or negligence is suspected, Havering Council and the police may become involved in the inquiry.
Questions this report answers
+How many firefighters are at the Hornchurch Country Park fire?
Around ninety firefighters and fourteen fire engines from Romford, Ilford, Hornchurch and surrounding stations are responding to the wildfire. The London Fire Brigade confirmed the deployment on Friday evening.
+What should residents do if they see smoke from the fire?
The London Fire Brigade has advised residents near Hornchurch Country Park to keep doors and windows closed due to significant smoke. They should also stay indoors and monitor updates from the Brigade or local authorities.
+Why are wildfires increasing in England and Wales?
The National Fire Chiefs Council reports over 1,000 wildfires this year, matching last year’s record. Prolonged hot and dry weather has turned parks and grasslands into tinderboxes, increasing the risk of ignition.
+What is being done to prevent wildfires in London?
Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged residents to create fire breaks in gardens, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham called on retailers to withdraw disposable barbecues. Fire services warn that garden waste and debris can fuel fires during heatwaves.
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