London Stratford station shut after trackside fire causes 'major disruption' for travellers

London's Stratford station has been closed after a trackside fire, causing a "major disruption" for travellers.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a brush fire in Stratford, the current seventh-busiest station in Great Britain.

The incident was declared "under control" by emergency services at 10pm, but crews are expected to work through the night to dampen hotspots and monitor for any flare-ups.

Station Commander Scott Thorpe, who is at the scene, said the fire was "predominantly located within an area of grass and shrubbery that was surrounded on all sides by railway tracks".

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"Firefighters have worked hard to bring this fire under control as swiftly as possible; however we expect crews to remain on scene over the coming hours," he added.

LFB is still asking members of the public to avoid the area.

Train operator Greater Anglia said: "The incident involves a substantial lineside fire adjacent to Stratford station, requiring power to the overhead electric wires to be switched off.

"The incident has resulted in all lines being blocked through Stratford.

"The fire brigade, British Transport Police and Network Rail response teams are on site, but for everyone's safety all lines are blocked and there are no trains running."

National Rail said all routes through Stratford would be closed until 8am.

Greater Anglia urged passengers not to travel, while Elizabeth line customers are able to use their tickets at no extra cost on London Buses and London Underground.

London Overground routes are suspended between Dalston Kingsland and Stratford.

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Videos from the scene showed the large brush fire not far from the railway tracks.

Pictures shared later by LFB revealed the fire had decreased in size but spread throughout the grass.

Emergency services received the first of 40 calls at 6.54pm, with crews from Plaistow, Ilford, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations arriving at the scene.

It remains unclear what caused the fire, but the brigade had earlier warned of "extreme" wildfire risks as Britain's third heatwave rages in the capital city.

Sustained dry weather and blistering temperatures led to the force upping the risk from "elevated" to "extreme".

LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall 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 grassfires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater."

Londoners were cautioned to dispose of cigarettes properly and not to use disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces.

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