Shocking vids show huge inferno tear across country park as 70 firefighters battle 24 acres of grassland on fire

THIS is the terrifying moment a huge inferno tears through a country park as 70 firefighters are sent to tackle the wildfire. The blaze broke out just after 5pm on Ingrebourne Hill in Essex and it has so far destroyed 24 acres of grassland. Wildfires have torn through Rainham in Essex Credit: TMCNJ There are around 70 firefighters on the scene Credit: TMCNJ After three hours of fighting the flames 10 fire crews are still on the scene and firefighters are expected to remain into the night. One eyewitness, Colin Neale Jr, said what had begun as multiple wildfires combined into one huge blaze. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He told The Sun that the northernly wind was pushing the flames towards the town of Hornchurch. Colin claimed that such fires were a “common occurrence” due to an illegal underground landfill in the area. The fire has torn through 10 hectares of countryside so far Credit: TMCNJ London Fire Brigade received 20 calls about the fire at 5pm Credit: TMCNJ He said he saw around 80 firefighters on the scene as the fire “made its way through the Hornchurch Country Park.” Station Commander Kevin Morgan, who is at the scene, said: “Firefighters are making steady progress as they work to bring the fire under control. “The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke, and we urge local residents to keep their windows and doors closed where possible. “Please continue to avoid the area, particularly around Palmerston Road, where crowds have gathered. Most read in The Sun “This is helping firefighters and emergency services to work safely and efficiently. “This is expected to be a protracted incident, with crews remaining at the scene for a number of hours tonight.” London Fire Brigade received 20 calls about the fire from 5pm this evening and sent crews from Barking, Romford, East Ham, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations to tackle the inferno. The firefighters are using backpack blowers to push flames back into already burnt areas. Crowds have gathered as the fires rage through the grasslands Credit: TMCNJ Firefighters are using backpack blowers to push flames back Credit: TMCNJ Commander Morgan added: “Wildfire beaters are also being used. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. “They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.” A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “During periods of dry and sustained extreme heat, the chance of wildfires spreading rapidly is high. “The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents, but we urge everyone to play their part to prevent incidents, such as wildfires, which can be time-consuming to resolve and have devastating impacts on livelihoods, occurring in the first place. “If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. “They pose a significant fire risk as the heat can be retained for many hours, even after a barbecue has been put out. “It’s also important to make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. “For those having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid setting up your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.” Comment now