Overview

• Firefighters were called to Wanstead Flats shortly before 11am Wednesday to hose down brambles and grass after flames reignited for the third time in as many days.
• On Tuesday, crews mobilised roughly 60–70 firefighters, ten engines and specialist off-road units to control separate 3–4 hectare blazes at Wanstead Flats and in Northolt.
• The London Fire Brigade reports 35 grass fires involving four or more engines so far in 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 27 incidents.
• Fire commanders have launched formal investigations into the recent blazes, citing human behaviour such as discarded cigarettes and reflective glass as likely ignition sources.
• Under an amber heat-health alert, the brigade continues to deploy 4×4 wildfire vehicles and adapted tools like misting lances and backpack blowers to meet rising wildfire demand.