Rainham fire: 70 firefighters tackling huge grass blaze causing road closures - locals urged to close windows

Around 70 firefighters are tackling a huge grass fire which has broken out in Lambs Lane, Rainham.

The London Fire Brigade has warned residents to keep their doors and windows shut due to acrid smoke billowing into the air.

Crews were called at 1.43pm and the brigade said two large areas of grassland are alight.

Ten fire crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Barking, East Ham and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

The Met Police said Lambs Lane North junction with Upminster Road North, and the Upminster Road North junction with Launders Lane.

Residents have previously complained about fire issues at the landfill in Launders Lane.

Resident Maria Lang said: “It’s an ongoing issue affecting lots of people.

“I have a young girl with respiratory issues who can’t be around toxic fumes and smoke.

“Earlier, I had to take all children in from garden as thick ash and smoke covering our garden and thus all windows and doors closed.

“This is how we have to live and it’s getting very frustrating and worrying for everyone.”

And Rainham is very close to the village of Wennington, which had 19 houses destroyed by a huge fire on the UK’s hottest day on record last month.

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