Grass fires around London

Firefighters tackled a number of grass fires around London on Friday and Saturday.

Crews were called to a fire involving an area of woodland and farmland on Star Lane in Orpington on Friday evening.

The land was destroyed by the fire. The Brigade was called at 1723 and the fire was under control by 2050. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Orpington, Biggin Hill and Bromley fire stations were at the scene.

Later on, firefighters were called to another grass fire on Hackbridge Road in Hackbridge.

Around four hectares of grass and shrubland was destroyed by the fire. The Brigade was called at 1911 and the blaze was under control by 2132. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wallington, Norbury, Woodside and Wandsworth fire stations were at the scene.

Also on Friday night, firefighters were called to a grass fire on Layhams Road in Keston. 

An area of shrubland was damaged by the fire. The Brigade was called at 2321 and the fire was under control by 0021. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Biggin Hill, Addington, Woodside and Orpington fire stations were at the scene.

On Saturday afternoon, crews were called to a grass fire at a recreation ground on Bourne Road in Crayford.

Around two hectares of shrubland was damaged by the fire. The Brigade was called at 1644 and the fire was under control by 1853. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Bexley, Eltham, Erith and Plumstead fire stations were at the scene. 

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 18 calls to the blaze.

Brigade top tips on grass fires:

• Don't have barbecues in parks, public spaces or on balconies.
• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
• 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.