Firefighters were hard at work after a series of fires across the Romford area - here’s everything we know the morning after.
Plumes of smoke could be seen all over Havering following major blazes in Romford and Rainham yesterday (July 29).
Firefighters responded to two separate grass fires in Romford, another in Rainham and Hornchurch along with a van on fire in Hornchurch.
This is all on the same day the Environmental Agency declared half of England in drought.
Here is everything we know.
Four acres of grassland damaged
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called at 4.15pm to the grass fires near Southern Way.
Four acres of grassland was damaged by the fire.
It was eventually brought under control by 5.50pm.
Ten acres damaged by fire
A further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters also responded to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West at 5.14pm.
Around 20 acres westbound and another 10 acres eastbound were damaged by fire.
This was eventually under control by 7.16pm.
Four hectares of Rainham grassland alight
Later into the evening, fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackles a grass fire around the Ingrebourne Valley near Acer Avenue in Rainham.
Crews were called at 7.36pm, with the fire eventually under control by 9.56pm.
Around four hectares of grassland was alight.
People were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke being produced.
Van on fire on A127
Shocking images sent to the Romford Recorder show a burning van on A127 near Ardleigh Green Road in Hornchurch yesterday just before 8pm.
At this moment we do not have further details.
Harrow Lodge Park fire
There were reports of another grass fire at Harrow Lodge Park, near the leisure centre.
Images seen from the Recorder show the grass blackened the day after.
More information can be found here.
What caused the fires?
The London Fire Brigade has said that all fires are still being investigated.
Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Keith Prince, added: “We are working closely with the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police and other partners to establish the cause of these fires.
“Should any of these incidents prove to have been started deliberately, we will support every effort to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”
‘Deeply saddened’
Cllr Keith Prince has responded following the blazes across Havering.
He said: “We are deeply saddened and concerned by the recent spate of grass fires in the Ingrebourne Valley area of Rainham and other areas of the borough.
“These incidents have placed unnecessary pressure on our emergency services, caused damage to valuable green spaces and wildlife habitats, and understandably caused concern for local residents.”
The councillor continued: Protecting our green spaces is a shared responsibility, and we are continuing to action preventative measures to reduce the risk of future fires.
"This includes regular litter clearance, grass cutting and vegetation management on council-owned land, as well as working alongside private landowners to create and maintain firebreaks where appropriate and promote the responsible upkeep of grassland and open spaces.
"Today’s announcement that our region has officially entered drought conditions serves as a stark reminder of just how vulnerable our environment currently is.
“After prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, even a small spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving fire with devastating consequences for people, wildlife and property."
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