Wanstead Flats grass fire tackled by 200 firefighters

Bangla sanglap desk: More than 225 firefighters are tackling a large grass fire in east London, which has led to huge plumes of smoke being seen across the capital.

London Fire Brigade sent 40 fire engines to the blaze, on Wanstead Flats near Stratford, just after 16:00 BST after receiving more than 110 calls.

The fire service said there was no immediate risk to life or property from the blaze.

The Met Police has advised people to avoid the area due to heavy smoke.

There were reports on social media of some residents saying they had been told to evacuate their homes.

Road closures are in place, including the A114, which is shut in both directions.

The fire service said the area affected by fire was the equivalent of about 150 football pitches.

Group manager Rob Davies, who is at the scene, urged people living nearby to keep windows and doors shut.

“A lot of smoke is drifting across roads and while there is no immediate threat to property you should avoid the area if you can,” he said.

The fire service said it was using a range of different measures to tackle the blaze.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) was also called in to help with the fire and tweeted photos showing the extend of the damage.