Homes evacuated as grassfire tackled in Dagenham

More than 120 firefighters are tackling a grass fire in Dagenham that temporarily forced some residents from their homes.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 25 fire engines and a wildfire response vehicle are at the blaze that covers around eight hectares (20 acres) of grass, shrubland and trees, as well as fences and garden furniture.

It said the fire behind was behind Clemence Road in Dagenham, which backs on to Beam Parklands, and nearby properties are being evacuated.

The brigade said on X: "We are making steady progress at a grass fire in Dagenham and residents have been able to return to their properties."

Residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke.

The LFB said its wildfire response vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.

Each vehicle carries around 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.

The brigade said it was also using wildfire beaters - a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. They are used to beat the flames - to prevent the fire from spreading.

The LFB was first alerted to the fire at 18:30 BST and crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Wennington, Romford and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

A grassfire also broke out in Hornchurch, east London, where eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a blaze of around six hectares near Wingletye Lane, the brigade said.

Firefighters were alerted at 20:10 and mobilised crews from Barking, Kentish Town, Soho and other surrounding fire stations to the scene.

Residents there were also advised to keep their doors and windows shut due to the smoke.

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