Grass fire spreads across Rectory Park in Northolt

A grass fire spread across Rectory Park in Northolt on Monday afternoon, 24 August, sending a large plume of smoke over the park and nearby streets.

Videos and photographs shared by residents showed flames moving through dry grass and trees as people watched from a nearby path behind a wooden fence. The footage was published by the local UB1UB2 page on Monday evening.

Residents warned others to stay away from the field, fearing that the wind could cause the fire to spread quickly. Later that evening, some people reported that the blaze appeared to have been brought under control. However, this had not been officially confirmed, and by Tuesday morning London Fire Brigade had not published an incident report for Rectory Park.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and there were no confirmed reports of injuries at the time of writing.

Rectory Park is located beside the regenerated Rectory Park estate and the Rectory Park Football Centre, which is used by Middlesex FA. During prolonged dry weather, grass fires can spread rapidly across open land and send smoke towards nearby homes.

This is one of several outdoor fires reported in Ealing this summer. Earlier in August, Ealing Council and London Fire Brigade issued wildfire warnings following fires at Perivale Park, Horsenden Hill and Gunnersbury Park. The council also introduced a temporary ban on barbecues and bonfires at allotments.

Anyone who sees a fire that is not already being dealt with should call 999 and keep a safe distance. Do not approach a fire to take photographs or record videos. Residents should close their windows if smoke is blowing towards their homes.

EalingPulse will update this article when London Fire Brigade or Ealing Council publishes further information.