A406 fire: Dozens of firefighters tackle grass blaze as smoke engulfs North Circular

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a grass fire in Burges Road, East Ham, Newham, at just before 3.45pm yesterday (Sunday, June 26).
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Dozens of firefighters battled a blaze at a patch of grassland in East Ham, as smoke was seen engulfing traffic on the A406.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a grass fire in Burges Road, East Ham, Newham, at just before 3.45pm yesterday (Sunday, June 26).

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Drivers reported smoke covering the North Circular at around 4pm, with dramatic footage shared by the IG1IG2 Instagram account showing the tough conditions on the busy road.

Dozens of firefighters battled a blaze at a patch of grassland in East Ham, as smoke was seen engulfing traffic. Photo: IG1IG2Dozens of firefighters battled a blaze at a patch of grassland in East Ham, as smoke was seen engulfing traffic. Photo: IG1IG2
Dozens of firefighters battled a blaze at a patch of grassland in East Ham, as smoke was seen engulfing traffic. Photo: IG1IG2

Around three hectares of a patch of grass and shrubland was alight, and the fire brigade took 29 calls to the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries.

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said: “The warmer weather we have been having makes the ground extremely dry, which unfortunately means grassland and parks will burn quickly when exposed to even the smallest of sparks.

“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.”

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Firefighters were alerted at 3.44pm and the fire was under control by 9.46pm, the fire service said.

Crews from Plaistow, Millwall, Leyton, Homerton, Bethnal Green and Poplar fire stations attended the scene.