It was a tense evening across parts of East London as emergency crews rushed to tackle not just one but three separate grass fires that broke out in quick succession.
With smoke filling the air and flames spreading dangerously close to homes, over 185 firefighters were called into action across Dagenham, Hornchurch, and Walthamstow.
Dagenham Blaze Forces Evacuations
The most alarming fire broke out in Dagenham, where thick smoke and fast-moving flames triggered emergency evacuations.
Behind Clemence Road, around eight hectares of land—covered in shrubbery, trees, fences, and even garden furniture—were swallowed by the fire.
As 20 fire engines and approximately 125 firefighters battled to bring it under control, residents were told to leave their homes for safety.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) urged people nearby to keep doors and windows shut to avoid smoke inhalation.
Roads in the area were closed off to the public, and the Brigade’s Control Room received over 75 calls starting around 6:30 p.m. The situation was finally brought under control by 9:46 p.m.
Hornchurch Hit by Second Major Fire
Not long after, another fire erupted in Hornchurch, near Wingletye Lane.
This one spread across eight acres of land and brought in an additional eight fire engines and 60 firefighters.
The call came in around 8:10 p.m., and crews used wildfire beaters to get the flames under control by 10:31 p.m.
LFB officials later revealed that all firefighters had recently undergone enhanced wildfire training—something that clearly paid off given how quickly they were able to act.
Walthamstow Marshes Also Engulfed
The third incident happened in Walthamstow, where three hectares of dry grassland caught fire on the Marshes.
This call came in just before 9 p.m., with crews from Homerton, Finchley, and Stoke Newington among those rushing to the scene.
Firefighters managed to contain it by 11:23 p.m., but the damage had already been done.
Firefighters Worked Hard to Protect Homes
Photos and videos taken from the Dagenham blaze showed blackened fields and clouds of smoke dangerously close to nearby houses.
Firefighter Craig Fenner explained that flames had already reached fences, sheds, and outdoor furniture when they arrived.
Thanks to quick thinking and the use of jets and wildfire beaters, they managed to stop the fire from advancing toward homes.
Station Commander Matt Hayward also gave credit to Barking and Dagenham Council for creating “fire breaks”—gaps in vegetation that helped block the spread.
He praised the teamwork between LFB, Essex Fire and Rescue, and the London Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team.
Officials Still Investigating What Sparked the Fires
At this stage, none of the fires have confirmed causes, and investigations are still ongoing.
Crews from multiple stations across London were dispatched to the scenes, showing just how serious the situation was.
Public Urged to Be Extra Careful During Dry Weather
As fires become more common during heatwaves and dry spells, the London Fire Brigade is pleading with the public to be more cautious.
A spokesperson warned that it only takes a tiny spark to start a wildfire—especially with so many green spaces located close to homes.
They reminded everyone to avoid using disposable BBQs in parks, to properly put out cigarettes, and to take rubbish home if bins aren’t available.
At home, BBQs should be placed far away from fences, sheds, trees, or decking.
Bonfires are also strongly discouraged during these dry conditions.