Five fire engines were dealing with a hectare of shrubland and grass on fire in Abbey Wood yesterday (April 21).

Firefighters were called to the scene in Waterdale Road near Bolstall Woods at 2:26pm.

Around 25 firefighters from East Greenwich, Plumstead and Bexley fire stations attended the incident.

Fire crews used grass beaters and water backpacks to fight the fire, before dampening down any remaining hot spots to prevent the fire from rekindling.

This Is Local London:

Pic: London Fire Brigade

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but with the warmer months approaching the London Fire Brigade asked for the public’s help to prevent further grass fires.

Station manager Gary Thompson who was at the scene said: “This is one of the first grass fires we have attended this year and our crews are working hard to bring it under control.

"These fires can  cause a great deal of damage to open spaces and wildlife but the public can help by making sure that cigarettes and barbecues are extinguished properly, and that glass bottles are disposed of carefully.

"It's also important that if you do notice a fire on open grassland or in woodland that you call 999 as soon as possible so we can get firefighters on the scene to tackle it and stop it from spreading any further.”