Dozens of firefighters tackled a huge blaze on grassland in outer London on Monday afternoon.
Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters were deployed to Fen Lane in North Ockendon after four hectares went up in flames.
Emergency services were called to the scene just before 11.30am today.
It comes as temperatures hit as high as 31C in the capital on Monday and after weeks of hot and dry weather.
The lack of rain in London and the South-East of England has seen hosepipe bans brought in for millions of households this summer.
The drought also greatly increases the risk of wildfires in the city and the countryside. The London Fire Brigade has warned the public to exercise caution during the dry weather.
Firefighters tackled the blaze in Ockenden with backpack blowers, similar to leafblowers, and beaters to control the flames.
The LFB also said a local farmer had created fire breaks around the blaze to stop it from spreading.
The fire was brought under control just before 1pm.
A spokesperson for the LFB said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Fen Lane in North Ockendon.
“Around six hectares of grassland and shrubbery were damaged by fire.
“A local farmer supported efforts by helping firefighters to create fire breaks, which are clear strips of land where long grass, dry leaves and other flammable plants have been removed. These gaps help slow or stop a fire from spreading by reducing how much it has to burn.
“The Brigade was called at 1127 and the fire was under control by 1248. Fire crews from Hornchurch, Harold Hill, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene, as well as crews from Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
