Dartford fire: Houses burning in Kent as raging bushfire spreads

Houses burn after massive grass fire in Dartford, Kent.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said twelve fire engines and a high rise vehicle were sent to the scene near a fire near Durrell Dane, in Joyce Green.

Crews are working to extinguish the roaring flames amid the hottest temperatures on record in Britain. Many places, including Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, recorded temperatures of 40C – something meteorologists said would be “impossible without climate change”.

People driving on the A2 and nearby roads are advised to take care due to smoke coming from the incident which could affect visibility.

Meanwhile, another raging field fire escalated in Upminster as thirty fire engines and around 175 firefighters tackled the grass fire on Pea Lane.

Around three hectares of maize fields and some sedges have been set on fire and smoke is billowing over the M25.

The brigade’s 999 control officers were called to the scene at 11.31 this morning and have taken more than 80 calls to the fire.

Havering Council warned people to avoid the area and motorists to take care when driving as the smoke reduced visibility.

Houses burn after massive grass fire in Dartford, Kent

(Sky News)

A separate fire has broken out and spread to a residential area in Wennington, near Upminster.

London Fire Brigade has confirmed it has 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters battling this blaze on The Green.

Around three hectares of maize fields and some sedges have been set on fire and smoke is billowing over the M25

(Sky News)

At least one house was completely destroyed.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the London Fire Brigade had declared a major incident “in response to the huge increase in fires in the capital today”, saying the service was under “tremendous pressure”.

It comes after the hottest day ever recorded in the UK when temperatures topped 40C.

Fire officials urged people to take precautions and dispose of rubbish such as cigarettes, matches and glass bottles, which can catch fire quickly and cause extensive damage.

Rail users are being warned of delays, cancellations and changes to train services, while dozens of schools are closed ahead of warnings of further disruption due to thunderstorms on Wednesday.