London Fire Brigade faces busiest day of 2026 as grass fires spread

The London Fire Brigade recorded its busiest 24-hour period of 2026 on Wednesday, responding to 63 grass fires across the capital. This surge in activity occurred as temperatures exceeded 30C. Control officers managed more than 1,300 emergency calls, and crews attended over 500 incidents, according to the brigade.

East London blazes

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In Havering, firefighters worked to contain significant blazes in Hornchurch and Rainham. At the height of a fire near South End Road in Hornchurch, approximately six hectares of land were alight, the London Fire Brigade said. Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters were deployed to the Hornchurch site between 1:18pm and 3:22pm. Shortly after, crews attended a second fire near Berwick Pond Road in Rainham, which was brought under control by 5:12pm.

Firefighters used specialist equipment to manage the flames, including backpack blowers and wildfire beaters. The blowers allow crews to push flames back into previously burnt areas to increase efficiency. Wildfire beaters, consisting of a long handle with a rubber end, are used to deprive flames of oxygen and cool the ground.

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Emergency crews used water backpacks and beaters to contain the blaze as the cause remains unknown.

In these hot, dry conditions, grass fires can spread incredibly quickly, threatening homes, wildlife and the environment, while tying up vital emergency resources.

Andy Pennick, Assistant Commissioner

Natural England currently rates the risk from blazes in the capital as very high according to its fire severity index. Assistant commissioner Andy Pennick described the recent 24-hour period as incredibly challenging due to hot and arduous conditions. He urged the public to avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces and to dispose of cigarettes responsibly.

The causes of the fires in Hornchurch and Rainham remain under investigation. Authorities advised residents to keep home barbecues away from fences, sheds and trees, and to clear dry vegetation from the perimeter of buildings.