Wildfire at Forty Hall tackled by firefighters

Around two hectares of the park were damaged by the blaze which came after a month without rain in Enfield

The Forty Hall grass fire (credit Enfield Archaeological Society)

Around two hectares of grassland at Forty Hall Estate went up in flames last Friday (17th) on the last day of the latest summer heatwave.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters successfully tackled the grass fire within a couple of hours, between 1:12pm and 3:11pm. A change of wind direction was also credited with helping to prevent the blaze spreading further.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews used ‘backpack ‘blowers’, which allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas. Wildfire ‘beaters’ were also used, to help deprive the fire of oxygen.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, LFB has repeatedly warned in recent weeks about very dry and hot conditions across London raising the risk of wildfires.

It has now been one month since Enfield borough saw any meaningful rain.

Volunteers with Enfield Archaeological Society, which is currently conducting its annual summer dig on the site of Elsyng Palace within Forty Hall Estate, witnessed the fire.

A blog on the society’s website said: “A large grass fire broke out this afternoon on the east side of the lime tree avenue and rapidly spread, alarmingly initially towards the dig site.

“A fortunate change in wind direction eventually carried the fire away to the east towards Maidens Bridge, before the London Fire Brigade arrived and were able to get it under control before it spread to any major groups of trees.”

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