Kent Fire and Rescue Service said a dozen fire engines and a height vehicle had been sent to the scene near the fire near Darrell Den, Joyce Green. Crews are working to put out the roaring flames amid Britain’s hottest temperatures on record. Many places, including Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, have recorded temperatures of 40C – something forecasters said would be “impossible without climate change”. People driving on the A2 and nearby roads are advised to take care due to smoke from the incident which may affect visibility. Meanwhile, another raging fire is escalating in Upminster as thirty fire engines and around 175 firefighters attempt to tackle a grass fire in Pea Lane. Around three hectares of a cornfield and bushland are alight and smoke is billowing over the M25. The brigade’s 999 control officers were called to the scene at 11.31 this morning and received more than 80 calls to the fire. Havering Council has warned people to avoid the area and drivers to take care when driving as the smoke affects visibility. Homes are burning after a massive grass fire broke out in Dartford, Kent (Sky News) A separate fire has broken out and spread to a residential area in Wennington, near Upminster. The London Fire Brigade has confirmed it has 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackling this blaze at The Green. About three hectares of a cornfield and some bushland are alight and smoke is billowing over the M25 (Sky News) At least one house has been completely destroyed. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the London Fire Service had declared a major incident “in response to the huge explosion of fires across the capital today”, saying the service was under “tremendous pressure”. It comes as the UK has recorded its hottest day ever as temperatures hit 40C. Fire services urged people to take precautions and dispose of rubbish such as cigarettes, matches and glass bottles which can quickly catch fire and cause extensive damage. Rail users are being warned of delays, cancellations and changes to train routes, while dozens of schools have been closed, ahead of warnings of further storm disruption on Wednesday.
