Wasteland fire - Chadwell Heath

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire in an area of wasteland on High Road in Chadwell Heath.

Around twenty tonnes of waste was partially destroyed by fire.

Brigade Control Officers took 13 999 phone calls to the incident.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The cause of the fire is believed to be a discarded cigarette.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters often attend wasteland fires that are caused by discarded cigarettes. Cigarettes that are thrown from car windows can ignite dry grass verges and spread quickly. Whilst it is safer to smoke outdoors, please always make sure cigarettes are disposed of carefully, or even better yet - stop smoking altogether.”

“If you see a grass fire, don't attempt to put it out yourself as grass fires can travel very quickly and change direction without warning. Call the Brigade and let us know where the fire is.”

The Brigade was called at 1824 and the fire was under control by 1925. Fire crews from Hainault, Romford, Dagenham and Ilford stations attended the scene.

Brigade top tips on wasteland fires:

• Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes safely- don’t drop cigarettes on dry ground and don’t drop them out of car windows, as they may land on dry grass and lead to a fire.
• If you see a grass fire, don't attempt to put it out yourself as grass fires can travel very quickly and change direction without warning.
• Call the Brigade and let us know where the fire is.