Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: UK News
Dominic Smithers
A major incident has been declared after a number of wildfires broke out in the south of the country this afternoon (19 July). Look at the devastating scenes here:
Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent a dozen fire engines to tackle a blaze in Dartford Heath, with crews desperately trying to get the situation under control.
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In one video, huge plumes of smoke can be seen rising into the air as the fire rages along the banks of the A2.
No casualties have been reported as yet but motorists have been urged to take care when driving through the area. stat
In a statement to its site, Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service is currently at the scene of a fire on Dartford Heath.
"Twelve fire engines are at the scene, and crews are using hose reel jets and main jets to tackle the blaze, involving areas of undergrowth and trees.
"No casualties have been reported. People driving on the A2 and other nearby roads are being advised to take extra care, due to smoke drifting across from the incident.
"Please share this information with anyone who may not have social media."
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Another huge fire has also broken out in Durrell Dene, in Joyce Green, where 18 crews and voluntary rapid response teams are working hard to get the blaze under control.
Again, no casualties have been reported as yet.
The fire department said: "Eighteen fire engines are at the scene of a grass fire near Durrell Dene, in Joyce Green, Dartford.
"Firefighters are using a fogging unit, two all-terrain vehicles and a bulk water carrier to bring the fire under control and extinguish the flames.
"The technical rescue unit is also in attendance and crews are using a telehandler machine to create a fire break, to stop the fire from spreading further. No injuries have been reported.
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"Members of KFRS’ volunteer response team are on-hand to provide welfare and support.
"People who live or work in the affected area are advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution, due to smoke coming from fire. Drivers travelling on the surrounding roads are also asked to take extra care, as the smoke may impact visibility."
In London, over 100 fire fighters were sent to tackle a blaze in the village of Wennington earlier this afternoon, where several properties were completely destroyed.
Terrifying footage shared on social media showed the fire ripping through a number of buildings, with thick, black smoke covering the area.
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It was one of a number of incidents that led London Fire Brigade (LFB) to declare a major incident following 'a huge surge' in fires across the capital, where temperatures have soared today, with the hottest day ever recorded in the UK today.
Elsewhere, two grass fires were reported in Croydon on Oaks Road and Chapel View, while 25 firefighters were also called to a fire on Green Lanes in Southgate, north London.
Eight fire engines and 60 fire fighters have also been dealing with a huge incident in Wembley too.
LFB’s assistant commissioner for operational resilience and control, Patrick Goulbourne, said: "The brigade remains ready to respond to incidents.
"However, we want to ensure our resources are available for people who really need our help.
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"If you see a fire smouldering, please don’t hesitate to call us.
"The sooner we know about a fire, the sooner we can bring it under control and prevent it from spreading further, reducing the need for us to mobilise additional resources.
"We are also strongly urging people not to have barbecues or bonfires today as the ground is incredibly dry, which means even the smallest sparks could cause a fire.
"Please take care during the heatwave as all emergency services are facing unprecedented challenges."