London Fire Brigade tackles grassland fires in Romford and Orpington

Romford incident

London Fire Brigade said 60 firefighters were sent to Eastern Avenue West in Romford just after 17:00 BST on 29 July 2026, as reported by BBC London. About 30 acres of grassland were destroyed, according to the London Fire Brigade as reported by BBC London. At the same time, firefighters were dealing with a grassland fire in Southern Way where about four acres were damaged, as reported by BBC London. Both the Romford and Southern Way fires were under control by approximately 19:00, BBC London reported. In Rainham, around 100 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Acer Avenue that involved about 10 acres of grassland, according to BBC London. Crews used wildfire beaters, handheld tools used to smother flames, BBC London noted. Firefighters from New Cross, West Norwood, Romford, Dockhead, Orpington, Sidcup and surrounding stations were called to the scene at about 19:30, BBC London added.

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Orpington incident

MyLondon reported that a grass fire in Orpington on 28 July 2026 destroyed roughly half an acre of a cornfield. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled the blaze. Firefighters had already responded to three grass fires earlier that day, including incidents on Riverside Road in Enfield, in Bexley and in Slade Green in Erith, which together damaged nearly four hectares, MyLondon said. The cause of the Orpington fire remains undetermined, but firebreaks created by landowners prevented it from spreading further, MyLondon added.

Wider response and safety advice

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London Fire Brigade stated that wildfires can have lasting health impacts due to smoke plumes, as reported by MyLondon. Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha advised the public not to take disposable barbecues to parks or open spaces, warning that they can retain heat for many hours and pose a serious fire risk, MyLondon reported. The brigade also recommended removing dry piles of rubbish or grass, keeping grass short, cutting trees and shrubs close to homes and, where possible, creating a fire break around gardens, according to MyLondon.

“"If you're heading to a park or open space to enjoy the sunshine, please don't take a disposable barbecue with you. Even after they have been extinguished, they can retain heat for many hours and pose a serious fire risk."”

Pam Oparaocha, Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade