Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Crockenhill Road, Orpington, where the effective use of fire breaks limited the spread of flames.
Around half an acre of a cornfield was destroyed by the fire, which also damaged two motor vehicles and an outbuilding. The landowner had cut fire breaks into the perimeter of the corn field, creating a border that limited the fire’s ability to spread.
Station Commander Craig Fenner said: “The presence of an existing fire break at this incident made a significant difference to our firefighting operations. Limiting the spread of the fire allowed our crews the time to get the fire under control before it could do anymore damage.
“With the hot weather set to continue, we’re asking landowners across the capital to consider where they can create fire breaks to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading in an emergency.”
The Brigade received the first call reporting the fire at 1320, and crews from Orpington, Sidcup, Eltham and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene. Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 1529.
The cause of the fire is undetermined.
The importance of fire breaks and clean gardens
Between 2022 and 2025, outer London boroughs recorded over 6,000 grass fires, which is more than three times the number seen in inner London, which recorded fewer than 1,800. The highest totals were concentrated in outer areas such as Havering (536 grass fires), Bexley (494), Bromley (462), Hillingdon (419) and Enfield (404).
These outer-London boroughs sit on the urban–rural interface, where the risk of fires spreading to homes is higher. Removing dry vegetation and creating fire breaks before hotter weather arrives, can a make a significant difference in limiting the damage caused by wildfires.
The Brigade is urging residents, community groups, councils and landowners to take action to reduce the risk of grass fires by clearing dry vegetation in gardens, parks and open spaces. You can:
- Keep grass cut short (below 7cm).
- Consider cutting back trees and shrubs that are close to your home. Dispose of your garden waste responsibly.
- If possible create a fire break around your property. You can do this by clearing 2-3m around all sides of your home and garden.
- Clear flammable debris, like dead leaves, from your garden and guttering.
- Try to position any sheds or garden furniture away from your home.
- Keeping your garden watered in dry spells makes it less combustible. If a hosepipe ban is in place, consider using water butts or wastewater from your home to water your garden.