London Fire Brigade spokesman ‘Don’t feed the grass fires’

South-east London has been hit by four grass fires in less than two weeks.

Five fire engines and about 35 firefighters were called to a grass fire in Mayplace Road East in Bexleyheath.

Almost one and a half hectares of grassland and undergrowth was damaged by the blaze on Thursday.

About 51mm of rain fell between June 1 and July 19, lower than the previous record of 58mm in 2013, making it the driest start to the summer since records began in 1961.

Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to grass burning at a park in Monks Orchard Road in Beckenham on July 26.

Eight hectares of grass and woodland was alight. Another blaze swept through Plumstead the following day as grass, trees and scrubland covering the equivalent of two rugby fields were scorched.

A fire on Woolwich Common on Monday, July 23 was the first of the grassfires.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “During the hot weather we are attending a large number of grass fires across London.

“We’re asking the public to take care not to drop cigarettes or matches on dry grass and to keep a very close eye on barbecues.

“Dropped glass can also start fires as the sun can magnify the sun’s rays.

“Grass fires can quickly spread and cause serious damage, so if you see grass smouldering, call 999 immediately.”