Posted: 19:29, July 19, 2022
Updated: 7:31 PM July 19, 2022
After assisting more than 240 people during the day today, the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a “major incident” amid record temperatures in the county.
A spokesman for the fire department said crews have witnessed several major incidents, including major wildfires and an incident on the road, throughout today (Tuesday, July 19).
Five aircraft previously witnessed a large vehicle fire on the M1 between Watford and Luton. In Rushden, near Baldock, six aircraft witnessed a field fire, while six more units extinguished a fire at the harvester in Hamels Lane, Buntingford.
In Codicote, near Welwyn, 12 fire extinguishers were called to another campfire.
The spokesman urged residents to call only 999 if there is a real emergency.
They said: “When you dial 999 to report an incident, be patient while our operators work to get to your call as soon as possible.
“You can help reduce the pressure on our staff by following our heatwave tips and staying safe for the next few hours.”
Alongside London, firefighters have also declared a “major incident”.
More than 60 firefighters were at the scene of a fire at an outbuilding at Wembley, with more than 50 people evacuated from surrounding properties, according to the London Fire Brigade.
In Wennington, in the Havering district of London, a terrace was destroyed by a severe fire attended by more than 100 firefighters.
A firefighter at the scene of a fire in Wennington, London. London Fire Brigade has declared a “major incident” amid extreme heat today (Tuesday, July 19) – Credit: Yui Mok / PA
Firefighters facing a fire in the village of Wennington, London – Credit: Yui Mok / PA
A woman is comforted after a large fire in the village of Wennington, in the London borough of Havering – Credit: Yui Mok / PA
About 170 firefighters faced a large grass fire along the M25 in Pea Lane, Upminster, near Dartford Crossing.
A fire along the west coast main line at Harrow affected rail equipment, forcing a partial closure of the railway between London Euston and Watford Junction.
Bedfordshire footage shows a large fire in Sandy, which erupted on Tuesday afternoon.
A wildfire near Sandy, Bedfordshire, today (Tuesday, July 19) – Credit: Patty Trayhorn
A fire next to the M25 in Upminster, near Dartford Crossing – Credit: National Highways
Engineers Observe Damage to Trees Caused by Fire Along West Coast Main Line Between London Euston and Watford Junction – Credit: Network Rail
A spokesman for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said they had received calls to 110 at control offices between 10 a.m. and noon today.
Neil Fenwick of Essex said: “The hottest day we’ve ever seen in Essex, we’re seeing a lot of calls across the county.
“Right now, please help us help you; just call 999 in case of a real emergency.
“Please do not make fires like bonfires, bonfires and avoid barbecues while the floor is so dry.
“If you are a smoker, dispose of your smoking materials safely and responsibly.”
Over the past three days, Essex teams have witnessed several fires on the border with Hertfordshire.
Among them was a wildfire near the M11 on Sunday 17 July, which spread to a disused station building in Great Chesterford, near Saffron Walden.
A field fire next to the M11 in Essex that spread to a disused station building in Great Chesterford on Sunday 17 July – Credit: Gerard Clinton
Teams from Harlow, Newport and Stansted extinguished a fire at the harvester on Mallows Green Road, Manuden, near Bishop’s Stortford. The call arrived today at 12:57 p.m.
The series of fires follows record temperatures recorded across the UK.
Provisional data from the weather office show highs of 40.2 ºC at London Heathrow Airport at 12:50, just 10 miles from the Hertfordshire border to Maple Cross.
The highest reading was seen at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, where the mercury reached 40.3ºC.
The previous record stood at 38.7 ºC, recorded at the University of Cambridge Botanical Gardens in 2019.