London weather: Major incident declared as fires surge in London

With temperatures exceeding 40C in the UK for the first time on record. 

Now, Mayor of London Saqid Khan said a major incident had been declared following the sudden surge in fire outbreaks. 

Saying that the London Fire Brigade is under "immense pressure" following telling the public it "is critical". 

NEW: London Fire Brigade has just declared a Major Incident in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today.

This is critical: @LondonFire is under immense pressure. Please be safe.

I'm in touch with the Commissioner and will share updates when I have them.

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 19, 2022

Major Incident declared in London:

Sharing in a tweet: "London Fire Brigade has just declared a Major Incident in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today.

"This is critical:@LondonFire is under immense pressure.

"Please be safe. I'm in touch with the Commissioner and will share updates when I have them.

The Mayor also added advice to the public to avoid fires saying: 

• Don't BBQ on grass or balconies
• Don't leave broken bottles or glass on the grass (it can start fires)
• Dispose of cigarettes safely Report a fire as soon as you see one 

We have declared a major incident as firefighters battle several significant fires across the capital during today’s record-breaking heatwave. For the latest on those, follow this account @londonfire https://t.co/1ThCGrc33K pic.twitter.com/Tp4J0l2Zkr

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 19, 2022

One of the biggest fires seeing 100 firefighters is tackling a huge blaze in Wennington in East London. 

With footage showing thick black smoke billowing into the air and buildings and field on fire in the village.

London Fire Brigade shared that 15 fire engines were called to the scene just after 1pm when temperatures were recorded at 40C.

One home is said to be completely destroyed in the fire whilst nearly fields have been scorched.