Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters are tackling a grass fire near Acer Avenue in Rainham.
Around four hectares of grassland is alight.
Crews are using wildfire beaters at the scene. 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.
We appreciate it's a warm night, but we are encouraging local residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke being produced by the fire. If you are driving through smoky areas, keep your windows wound up, air vents closed and switch off air conditioning systems to prevent drawing in outside air.
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 12 calls to the fire at 1936 and sent crews from New Cross, West Norwood, Romford, Dockhead, Orpington, Sidcup and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
What to do if you discover a wildfire
- Make sure you're in a safe place (away from vegetation and smoke). Stay calm and call 999 immediately.
- If you're in your car, close all windows and vents.
- When you call 999 be as precise as you can about the location, the size and any other information. The free what3words app can help you pinpoint your location, so download it now.
- Don't try to tackle the fire yourself.
- Stay well away from wildfires as fire can smoulder or spread underground.
How to prevent grass fires
- Don't have barbecues (including disposable ones) in parks, public spaces or on balconies. Take a picnic instead.
- Never leave barbecues unattended and put them out properly after you’ve finished using them.
- Take extra care to ensure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of safely.
- Glass bottles and other clear materials can start fires if left in direct sunlight. Make sure you don’t leave any glass bottles lying around in parks and open spaces. Take your litter home with you if nearby bins are full.