London declares 'major incident' as fires surge amid record heat wave

Reuters

Published on Jul. 19, 2022, 7:51 PM

"Firefighters are still meeting the needs of our communities, but declaring a major incident allows us to focus our resources," The London Fire Brigade said.

London's firefighting authority declared a major incident in the British capital on Tuesday in response to the surge in fires amid a record-breaking heat wave in Britain and Europe.

The London Fire Brigade said it had deployed dozens of fire engines to several fires in and around the city, including thirty to a grass fire in east London. Television footage showed one blaze engulfing several homes.

"Firefighters are still meeting the needs of our communities, but declaring a major incident allows us to focus our resources," the brigade said.

(A firefighters truck is parked near a fire that burns during a heat wave, in east London, Britain, July 19, 2022. REUTERS/Tony O'Brien)

SEE MORE: Safeguard your home, community against wildfires before it's too late

Britain recorded its highest ever temperature, breaking 40C (104F) for the first time, as a heat wave gripping Europe intensified, scorching fields and damaging airport runways and train tracks.

"This is critical: @LondonFire is under immense pressure. Please be safe," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter.

WATCH: Record-breaking heat creating dangerous conditions in U.K.

(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James)