Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire at Ingrebourne Hill Country Park in Rainham.
Around five hectares of grass and shrubland were destroyed by fire.
The Brigade used a wildfire response vehicle to help extinguish the fire. Up to four of these vehicles are being trialled this summer. They have off-road capabilities and technology that allows firefighters to pump water while driving, enabling them to tackle an outdoor fire more quickly and safely. Carrying approximately 500 litres of water, the vehicles are also equipped with new wildfire beaters and a backpack blower.
All firefighters have received enhanced training for grass fires and wildfires and a Wildfire Support Officer was also in attendance at this incident. They were deployed as a wildfire tactical advisor, providing key support to the Incident Commander.
Station Commander Mel Anderson was the initial Incident Commander and Wildfire Support Officer. He said: "The wildfire response vehicle helped to create a faster, more efficient response which was essential in extinguishing hotspots as well as reducing the risk to firefighters during operations. The vehicles are strategically located across London and mobilised to significant grass fires and wildfires.
"Drones were also used to transmit information, providing live images and thermal imagery to allow crews to see the speed and direction of spread of the fire and deploy resources/tactics to limit the spread of the fire.
“I’d also like to thank all of the firefighters and officers for their hard work in tricky conditions.”
The Brigade was called at 1744 and the blaze was under control by 2005. Fire crews from Ilford, Romford, East Ham and surrounding fire stations were in attendance.
Prior to the incident at Ingrebourne Hill, six fire engines and 40 firefighters attended a grass fire nearby on New Road in Rainham earlier in the afternoon. Around two hectares of scrubland were destroyed by fire. The Brigade was called at 1521 and was under control by 1718. Fire crews from Wennington, Hornchurch, Barking and surrounding fire stations were in attendance.