Seven fire engines and around 50 firefighters have been in attendance at a wildfire near Sevenoaks Road in Orpington.
Several acres of grass across two fields was alight. The fire is now under control but firefighters will remain on the scene working to fully extinguish the fire and to dampen down.
The Brigade deployed one of its Terrain Support Vehicles as part of its response to the fire. 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.
A wildfire support officer, who has undertaken enhanced wildfire response training, has also been in attendance to provide the Incident Commander with tactical information and advice to tackle the fire.
The Brigade received the first of around 20 calls about the fire at 1302 and crews from Orpington, Bromley, Addington, Biggin Hill, Beckenham as well as Kent Fire & Rescue Service are also in attendance, alongside a Terrain Support Vehicle from Biggin Hill Fire Station. The fire was brought under control by 1531.
Extreme wildfire risk
There is currently an extreme wildfire risk warning covering London, following an assessment by the Natural Hazards Partnership.
Yesterday afternoon (11 July), six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled multiple seats of grass and shrubs alight near Horsenden Lane North in Greenford. Five fire engines were also called to a fire at Ingrebourne Country Park in Rainham (11 July).
With very warm and dry weather set to continue in London over the coming days, the Brigade is urging everyone to take extra care to help prevent wildfires occur.
Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the capital to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.
“The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.
“With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. We have seen first-hand in London, as well as around the world, just how devastating the impact wildfires can have on livelihoods.
“That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded of properly.
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies.”