Huge fires spread next to one of the busiest train stations in Britain leaving commuters scrambling to find their way home.
Stratford station in east London was evacuated at 7pm after a blaze erupted in the shrubbery next to the tracks.
Some 60 firefighters were needed to tackle the blaze, as the London Fire Brigade issued ‘extreme’ warnings as temperatures are set to remain high.
Passengers were evacuated from trains at a standstill next to the flames.
This led to severe delays on the Elizabeth, Mildmay and Jubilee line.
There is still a reduced service via Stratford station which National Rail says they expect to last until Monday.
Station Commander Scott Thorpe, who was at the scene, said: ‘This fire is predominantly located within an area of grass and shrubbery that is surrounded on all sides by railway tracks.
‘Crews are also working to extinguish other pockets of fire in around the station’s sidings.
‘The power to the railway tracks has been isolated and the Brigade is working closely with its partners in order to resolve this incident safely.
‘Firefighters have worked hard to bring this fire under control as swiftly as possible; however we expect crews to remain on scene over the coming hours.’
The London Fire Brigade has since warned of ‘extreme’ wildfire risks as the record-breaking 35C heatwave continues.
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Fire risks in London will be increased from ‘elevated’ to ‘extreme’ over the weekend, due to the sustained dry weather and hot temperatures.
LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said: ‘We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.
‘The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.
‘With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place.’
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