At least five wildfires have ripped through an east London park over three days, with the London Fire Brigade suspecting that some of the fires may have been started deliberately.
Firefighters have attended a series of wildfires at Wanstead Flats, with flames reaching the heights of trees in one case on Wednesday morning.
The London Fire Brigade told the Standard that it has referred the case to the Met Police.
Police confrmed they were investigating a fire after reports it was started on purpose.
A spokesperson said: “Police were called at 12:17hrs on Wednesday, 13 August to Wanstead Flats by the London Fire Brigade following a fire.
“Met Police are continuing to investigate following reports that the fire was started deliberately.
“No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.”
See also: Which areas of London are most at risk of wildfires?
Large red flames had ripped through shrubs near a path at the park on Monday, with around 60 firefighters rushing to the scene.
Grass fires then broke out at Wanstead Flats shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
A blaze burnt through around four hectares just metres from where the fire took place on Monday.
Three fires then broke out on Wednesday morning at the park, with huge flames burning several trees near Lake House Road.
At one stage, the fire was as high as the tree line and quickly spread across a wooden area.
A 30x30 metre section of the park was also alight in the park on Wednesday morning.
The London Fire Brigade was able to quickly bring all three of the fires under control, deploying a wildfire response vehicle to help fight the flames.
Fire crews were seen hosing down brambles and waist-high grass to prevent any further fires from breaking out.
A Brigade spokesperson said: "We were called at 1043 this morning to reports of a fire at Wanstead Flats. Firefighters attended and extinguished an area of grassland of around 30x30 metres that was alight.
“Shortly after being called to this incident, we were alerted to a second fire in the area, affecting around one hectare of grassland. Firefighters deployed a wildfire response vehicle, which has off-road capabilities and misting lance technology, to help tackle wildfires more quickly and efficiently. Both fires were extinguished by 1152.
“A third fire involving bush and grassland also occurred near Belgrave Road at around midday. Since Monday, firefighters have attended at least five fires at Wanstead Flats."
Wanstead Flats has been almost treeless since the twelfth century and its gravelly soil is home to bright yellow gorse flowers, heathers and various grasses, which are a special feature of Epping Forest.
The area is mainly made up of acid grasslands and is thought to be one of the most important sites in London for this type of grassland.
Wanstead Flats are also home to pipistrelle bats, kestrels, voles and foxes.
The City of London, which takes care of Wanstead Flats, has warned even a single spark can cause a fire if it is hot and dry in the area.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest & Commons Committee, Caroline Haines, said: “We are deeply concerned about a spate of fires on Wanstead Flats in the past few days, which are placing extreme pressure on both the London Fire Brigade and our resources as a charity.
“This urban part of Epping Forest is a popular summer destination for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers, and it is home to valuable habitats and species.
“Barbecues are banned across all our open spaces for exactly this reason, and litter — including glass bottles and cigarette ends — can easily ignite a blaze.
“We urge everyone to follow the rules and help protect this much-loved green space, keeping people and property safe.
“Remember, if you see a fire, keep a safe distance and call 999. You should never attempt to put out the fire yourself.”
The fires took place as London entered its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching 33.4C in Northolt in west London on Tuesday.
Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters were also sent to a grass fire in Northolt at 1.35pm on Tuesday, with crews sent from Northolt, Ruislip, Hayes and surrounding fire stations.
A fire also broke out in Richmond Park on Tuesday, with the Royal Parks Police warning that discarded cigarettes and BBQs are prohibited in the area.
The London Fire Brigade has also warned that during spells of dry and hot weather, many wildfires are started deliberately or accidentally by people.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “While some wildfires can occur naturally, particularly during spells of extreme dryness and heat, the majority of these fires can be easily avoided by the public behaving responsibly, whether that be starting wildfires deliberately or accidentally.
“What might seem like harmless fun has the potential to have devastating consequences especially in London when so many of our green spaces lie close to properties. There is also the impact on wildlife and the ability for others to enjoy their local green spaces. These types of incidents can also have a impact on our resources and wildfires can be challenging for firefighters to deal with on the ground, especially if it is hot.
“As we head into the middle of the school holidays, we’re urging parents to inform their children on the risks of starting an outdoor fire, as well as encouraging them not to act recklessly or irresponsibly.”
The Met Police has been contacted for comment.
