London and Surrey fires: Firefighters battle massive fires around capital with one declared ‘major incident’ | UK News
The fire service in Surrey has announced a major incident as crews battle an outdoor fire – as crews in the capital battle three other major fires, with those in west London being asked to close their doors and windows.
In Surrey, a fire at Hankley Common near Farnham sent “several fire engines” to the area.
The fire service tweeted: “There is a lot of smoke so please avoid this area, windows and doors should be closed if nearby and pets are kept indoors.”
Read more: Dramatic satellite photos show the impact of the heatwave as temperatures are high in the country
Pictures online show plumes of smoke rising over the county, with people as far away as Guildford reports being able to see it.
The fire service then tweeted to ask people nearby to stop calling 999 to report the smoke clouds, after receiving an “extremely high” number of calls.
It added some local roads were closed due to the incident.
London’s fire brigade is also battling bushfires – with fires in Rammey Swamp in Enfield, Cranford Park in Hayes and Thamesmead. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) described the incidents as “weather related”.
In Enfield, near Epping Forest, the LFB said about 100 firefighters were battling the grass fire, which has grown to the size of four football fields.
The service urges people to help prevent further fires by not having baked goods and properly disposing of cigarettes.
A fire in Hayes can be seen from west London, with the LFB adding 70 firefighters on the scene. It says people in the area should keep their doors and windows closed.
Big Jet TV, which broadcasts live commentary on planes landing at Heathrow, said visibility at the airport was decreasing, sharing an image of a runway covered in smoke from a nearby fire in Hayes.
In east London near Newham, another fire is being fought in Thamesmead. The LFB said 65 firefighters and a fireboat were at the scene near London City Airport, with those nearby being told to close doors and windows.
It follows a bushfire in London and the surrounding area after last week’s record temperatures left the earthen box dry.
England record temperature on Tuesdaywith Coningsby in Lincolnshire, reaching a stifling 40.3C (104.5F) – the first time since records began to show mercury has exceeded 40C in the water.
Several areas of the UK have suffered significant damage as a result of extreme heat, such as homes and bushfires, melted airport runways and widened train tracks.
