Firefighters Work to Contain Fire in London as UK Heat Breaks Records

Firefighters worked to contain a fire in Dagenham, in East London, on Tuesday, July 19, during a record-breaking heat wave in England.

The London Fire Brigade declared a major incident as fires broke out in the area amid a record heat wave. The Met Office reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) – the highest ever recorded in the United Kingdom.

London Fire Brigade Borough Commander Paul McClenaghan said “the fire is creating lots of thick smoke and we would advise local residents to close doors and windows.” Local news outlets reported that houses in the area have been evacuated. The fire brigade reported that one woman and one man have been taken to the hospital as a result of smoke inhalation.

Video posted by London Fire Brigade shows smoky skies from the fire in Dagenham, East London, on Tuesday. Credit: London Fire Brigade via Storyful

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