More than a dozen families have been left homeless after a fire tore through the small village of Wennington, on the outskirts of east London, on Tuesday amid the UK’s record breaking 40C heatwave.
As many as 41 homes were destroyed across London yesterday - nearly half of which were gutted in Wennington alone.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said that two detached houses, two semi-detached houses, two rows of terraced houses, two outbuildings, six single-storey garages, 12 stables and five cars were ruined by the blaze.
This was one of a number of fires which broke out across the capital on the hottest day on record, as the LFB declared a major incident.
Black smoke billowed into the air as the blaze spread, while a rescue centre for residents was set up.
5. Smoke rising from fires being fought by fire services in Wennington. Credit: Getty Images
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said that two detached houses, two semi-detached houses, two rows of terraced houses, two outbuildings, six single-storey garages, 12 stables and five cars were ruined by the blaze. | Getty Images
6. A man attempts to damp down the smouldering field with a hose pipe as fire services tackle a large blaze in Wennington.
15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to the east London village on Tuesday to tackle the huge blaze. | Getty Images
7. Firefighters take a rest from tackling the blaze in Wennington. Credit: Getty Images
A huge fire broke out and engulfed homes in Wennington as 100 firefighters battled the flames. | Getty Images
8. A series of grass fires broke out around the British capital amid an intense heatwave. Credit: Getty Images
A local councillor looks on as a fireman passes buildings destroyed by fire on July 19 in Wennington. | Getty Images