Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire near Centre Road at Wanstead Flats.
Approximately four hectares of grassland was alight. Firefighters have working efficiently to bring the fire under control; however crews will remain on scene this afternoon to filly extinguish the fire and dampen down.
A wildfire response vehicle was deployed at the incident. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground. Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely. The Brigade is currently trialling four wildfire response vehicles across the capital.
Wildfire beaters were also used. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.
People are asked to continue to avoid the area at this time whilst crews work to extinguish the fire.
The Brigade received the first of 37 calls at 1332 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Leytonstone, Hainault, Woodford, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1525.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.