Firefighters are urging people to help prevent grass fires this summer

Smoke rising from Leyton Flats (credit: Mark Wareham)

Firefighters have issued a warning about grass fires after a significant chunk of Leyton Flats caught fire over the weekend.

Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to the scene at 6.40pm on Friday, 15th July, and spent an hour and a half getting the flames under control.

An estimated 100 square metres of the flats near Whipps Cross Road were burned to a crisp.

Fire crews from Leytonstone, Leyton, Woodford, Stratford and Walthamstow stations attended.

In response, the London Fire Brigade is warning people to avoid have barbecues in parks and open spaces and to clear away any glass that could magnify the sun.

Disposable barbecues should be put out, cooled and thrown away after use and cigarettes should be discarded in a bin.

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