Blazes in Dagenham and Hornchurch prompt emergency response and evacuation amid rising heat concerns

A massive grassfire in Dagenham forced temporary evacuations last night as flames tore through eight hectares of grassland, shrubbery, and trees behind residential areas near Clemence Road and Beam Parklands.

At its peak, over 120 firefighters and 25 fire engines, along with a specialist wildfire response vehicle, were deployed to the scene. Homes were swiftly evacuated as the blaze edged dangerously close to back gardens, burning through fences and garden furniture.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed at 6:30pm BST they were first alerted to the inferno. Crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Wennington, Romford, and surrounding stations responded immediately to the emergency. By late evening, residents were allowed to return, with the LFB saying they were making “steady progress.”

“Residents have been able to return to their properties,” the brigade announced on X. “We’re continuing to tackle the fire and contain it with specialist equipment.”

People living nearby were warned to keep doors and windows shut due to heavy smoke drifting through the neighbourhood. The fire lit up skies over Beam Parklands, with thick plumes of smoke visible from several miles away.

Dramatic drone footage showed flames stretching across a wide area of open land, raising alarm just three years after a series of wildfires swept through the capital during the 2022 summer heatwave.

The brigade deployed its wildfire response vehicle, which is built for off-road terrain and carries 475 litres of water, beaters, ear defenders, and a misting lance. This high-pressure hose allows firefighters to pump water while moving, enabling quicker, safer control of grassfires.

Firefighters were also seen using traditional wildfire beaters—long poles with rubber paddles—used to strike at low-level flames and prevent them from spreading further.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and fire investigators are expected to examine the area once it’s deemed safe.

But Dagenham wasn’t the only area affected. Just a few hours later, another large grassfire broke out in Hornchurch, near Wingletye Lane. The LFB deployed eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters to tackle six hectares of blazing land in that location.

Crews from Barking, Kentish Town, Soho, and neighbouring boroughs rushed to the scene. Residents in Hornchurch were also advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke and ash in the air.

No injuries have been reported in either incident, but the dual outbreaks highlight a growing concern about wildfire risk in urban and suburban Britain, especially as dry, warm summers become more common.

In recent years, the LFB has warned about the increasing number of grassfires linked to climate change, drought conditions, and human negligence such as discarded barbecues or cigarettes.

“It’s a stark reminder that we must all take grassfire risk seriously—especially in open parkland and dry areas near homes,” said one LFB spokesperson.

Local councillors have called for increased awareness campaigns around fire safety in green spaces, especially in densely populated residential areas that border natural parklands.

As the emergency response winds down, fire crews are expected to remain on site throughout Tuesday to damp down hotspots and prevent reignition.

For now, residents in Dagenham and Hornchurch are breathing a sigh of relief—but many say they won’t forget the sight of smoke-choked skies and the fear of watching fire inch towards their homes.