Firefighters tackle grasslands fire

The fire broke out in Wanstead Flats, a grasslands area not far from Stratford. Residents of properties surrounding the grasslands were advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut, although some were evacuated according to social media reports.

London Fire Brigade sent 40 fire engines to the fire, and crews spent several hours fighting the flames, and some remained at the scenes to dampen the earth.

The area effected is said to be around the size of 150 football pitches, and the National Police Air Service, who were called in to help, have tweeted aerial pictures showing the devastation.