More than 350 firefighters are tackling four grass fires across the capital as the heatwave continues.
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A major incident has been declared due to a surge in fires in London, where temperatures have reached more than 40C for the first time.
More than 350 firefighters are tackling at least four grass fires which began burning on Tuesday.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has deployed 100 firefighters after a large fire spread to homes in Wennington, east London.
The LFB says the weather means grassland “will burn quickly”.
Smoke from the Pea Lane, #Upminster fire affecting the #M25 south of J29 https://t.co/5iOXJ32nBr pic.twitter.com/s7g7eJ7ScN
— BBC Radio London Travel (@BBCTravelAlert)
A spokesperson said: “Common causes of grass fires include carelessly discarded cigarettes or matches, as well as rubbish left lying around such as glass bottles, which can start flames by magnifying the sun’s rays.
“Every one of us can help reduce the risk of fire and keep our communities clean, make sure rubbish is safely thrown away and cigarettes are always properly disposed of.”
About 175 firefighters have been tackling a grass fire on Pea Lane in Upminster, east London, with smoke billowing over the M25 motorway.
Eight fire engines with 60 firefighters have been sent to tackle one of the Croydon fires, in Shirley Hills in south London.
NEW: London Fire Brigade has just declared a Major Incident in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today.
This is critical: @LondonFire is under immense pressure. Please be safe.
I’m in touch with the Commissioner and will share updates when I have them.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon)
Another four fire engines are also dealing with a grass fire on Chapel View in South Croydon, where about one hectare (2.5 acres) of woodland and undergrowth is alight.
The UK recorded a temperature of over 40C (104F) for the first time at 12:50 BST, when thermometers hit 40.2C at London Heathrow.
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