New wildfires rage in east London after firefighters' busiest day of the year

Dramatic pictures showed a blaze ripping across grassland in Hornchurch. A fire also destroyed a large area of land in Rainham.Parkland in Hornchurch ablaze due to the dry conditionsPAThe cause of both fires is under investigation.London Fire Brigade (LFB) had its busiest 24 hours of 2026 on Wednesday, tackling 63 grass fires across the capital as temperatures topped 30C (86F).Control officers took more than 1,300 emergency calls and crews went to more than 500 incidents, the brigade said. Almost 1,000 calls about grass fires have been made in the past week.Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled the grass fire near South End Road in Hornchurch, on Thursday.At the height of the fire, around six hectares was alight, the London Fire Brigade said. The London Fire Brigade were first called to the fire at 1.18pm with the fire brought under control by 3.22pm. Parkland in Hornchurch ablaze due to the dry conditionsPASoon after eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire near Berwick Pond Road in nearby Rainham. The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls at 3.35pm and the fire was under control by 5.12pm.To battle both blazes, firefighters used backpack blowers, which work just like leaf blowers to help beat back the flames.They allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas.This is a tactic that provides a faster, more efficient attack on wildfires.Wildfire beaters are also being used. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end.Firefighters spray water over the burnt ground at the site of a wildfire in Hornchurch,AFP/GettyThey’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down. Assistant commissioner Andy Pennick said the past 24 hours had been "incredibly challenging" for firefighters and control staff, who had faced “arduous, hot conditions”.Read More“In these hot, dry conditions, grass fires can spread incredibly quickly, threatening homes, wildlife and the environment, while tying up vital emergency resources,” he said.Mr Pennick urged people not to use disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces, to dispose of cigarettes responsibly and to take litter home if bins were full.He said home barbecues should be kept well away from fences, sheds and trees, and advised clearing dry vegetation from around buildings.