Stratford Station has been forced to close after firefighters were called to a blaze near the railway line, as the London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued a stark warning of “extreme” wildfire risks across the capital this weekend.
The LFB confirmed its crews were on the scene on Friday evening, responding to social media videos showing flames close to the train tracks. A post from the LFB on X stated: “Firefighters are currently in attendance at a fire involving shrubbery near the railway line at #Stratford train station. The station has been temporarily closed. More to follow.”
The incident has caused significant disruption, with Transport for London reporting severe delays on the Elizabeth, Mildmay, and Jubilee lines.
The fire comes as the LFB reiterates the escalating danger of wildfires during the ongoing heatwave. Latest assessments indicate the risk in London will surge from “elevated” to “extreme” between Saturday and Monday, driven by prolonged dry weather, high temperatures, and wind speed.
LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall urged Londoners to act responsibly.
He said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly. The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.
With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. We have seen first-hand in London, as well as around the world, just how devastating the impact wildfires can have on livelihoods.
“That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded of properly. If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies.”
It was revealed by the Met Office on Friday that temperatures in the UK have reached 35C or more on six separate days in 2026, which is a new record.
