A fire service has issued an urgent warning after reports people are releasing Chinese lanterns as fires rage up and down the country
The biggest fire was in Wennington where multiple homes were ablaze, as dramatic footage showed tall flames and smoke billowing from properties there.
Marketing employee Freya Gutteridge, 23, from nearby Hornchurch, said: "I noticed the fire in Wennington when I went to lunch at two and since then our whole office has just been watching - everywhere we look there's a new one."We're all really worried, the wind is strong and we're seeing on the news that loads of houses are on fire and there isn't enough fire engines.
Update!! Sorry guys, this is actually from the green on Wennington Road. Too many fires to keep track of at the moment… I hope the residents of Wennington are all okay. Keep safe everybody! Current view from Wennington Road. 😡NEW: London Fire Brigade has just declared a Major Incident in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today.I'm in touch with the Commissioner and will share updates when I have them.
"Please take care during the heatwave as all emergency services are facing unprecedented challenges."Authorities in a range of other places, including Leicestershire and South Yorkshire, joined London in declaring major incidents. Coningsby in Lincolnshire posted a record temperature of 40.3C on Tuesday, the first time the UK has experienced heat above 40C.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UK heatwave: Temperatures rising rapidly as over 40C predictedPeak temperatures are expected on Tuesday afternoon, with part of Nottinghamshire forecast to see 41C by the Met Office
Read more »
UK heatwave: Temperatures rising rapidly as over 40C predictedThe UK braces for a record heatwave as some places in the south east exceed 34C by midday.
Read more »
UK heatwave: Yorkshire and Lincolnshire temperatures set to top 40CTemperatures in parts of Yorkshire an Lincolnshire are expected to reach 40C (107.6F).
Read more »
'UK not built to stand 40C': Shapps says transport can't cope with extreme weatherBritain's infrastructure 'is not built to stand 40 degree heat' but the UK will see 'much more' of these temperatures in the years to come, the Transport Secretary has said.
Read more »
Heatwave latest: UK temperature tops 40C for first time on record - BBC NewsProvisional figures from the Met Office show the temperature has climbed to 40.2C at Heathrow in London.
Read more »