Houses evacuated as a large fire sweeps through playgrounds and shrubbery: 80 firefighters fight fire sending large cloud of smoke over south London
- Nearly 20 people had to be evacuated due to a fire in Norbury, south London
- Large fire swept over seven acres of wasteland, shrubs and school playgrounds
- More than 80 firefighters were called into action with 12 engines on the scene
- The London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the cause
Nearly 20 people had to be evacuated from their homes when a large fire swept across a grass field in Norbury, south London, this afternoon.
About 80 firefighters were called into action and 12 engines attended the scene, according to the London Fire Brigade, while calls about the fire flooded in shortly before 12:30 p.m.
It is estimated that seven hectares of desert, shrubs and school playgrounds caught fire and caused heavy smoke.
More than 80 firefighters and 12 fire trucks were called to the scene in Norbury, south London, this afternoon after a large fire broke out on a grass field.
It is estimated that seven hectares of desert, shrubs and school playgrounds caught fire and caused heavy smoke
There are no reports of injuries, though 35 homes were thought to have been affected.
The teams are expected to remain on the scene this afternoon.
The Brigade’s 999 control room handled more than 100 calls about the fire.
Station Commander Keith Sanders, who led the response at the scene, said: ‘Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control and inspected local properties and gardens for fire spread.
‘The fire caused heavy smoke in the area and the direction of the wind blew smoke to local terrace houses.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service
There are no reports of injuries, though 35 homes were allegedly affected and 19 people were evacuated from their homes.
“We encouraged people to avoid the area and asked locals to keep windows and doors closed.”
The Brigade was called in at 1227 and the fire was under control by 1608. Firefighters from West Norwood, Mitcham, Wallington, Norbury, Woodside and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.