Huge plumes of smoke over London as wildfire ravages country park

A huge tower of smoke can be seen over London as 125 firefighters try to stop a raging wildfire from engulfing a country park.

Locals are being evacuated as fire engines try to douse the out-of-control grass fire in Beam Valley Country Park in Dagenham.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) say the area is around eight hectares of grass, shrubland and trees, as well as fences and garden furniture.

An LFB spokesman said: ‘Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows shut due to the smoke and the public is advised to avoid the area due to road closures.’

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

A wildfire response vehicle has been deployed to the east London inferno.

A spokesperson for LFB added: ‘These vehicles provide off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.

‘Each vehicle carries approximately 475 liters of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.’