Grass fire - Ilford

Around six hectares of shrub land – around the size of six football pitches – was damaged by fire on Saturday (21^st July) evening. The fire was on Newbury Park close to Aldborough Road North in Ilford.

Seven fire engines and around 45 firefighters from Ilford, Dagenham, Woodford, Barking, Homerton, Stratford and Hornchurch attended the incident.

A Brigade spokesperson said:

“During the hot weather we are attending a large number of grass fires across London. We’re asking the public to take care not to drop cigarettes or matches on dry grass and to keep a very close eye on barbecues. Dropped glass can also start fires as the sun can magnify the sun’s rays. Grass fires can quickly spread and cause serious damage, so if you see grass smouldering, please call 999 immediately.”

The Brigade’s tips on preventing grass fires are as follows:

• Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them 
• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire
• Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes safely
• Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires

The Brigade was called at 1505 and the fire was under control by 1730.