Train station is evacuated as huge fire breaks out next to tracks

Were YOU on a train near Stratford? Email Joshua.Haining@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 22:16 BST, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 01:53 BST, 11 July 2026

Commuters have been plunged into chaos after huge fires ripped through the shrubbery near the railway at one of Britain's busiest train stations today.Stratford station in London was evacuated and temporarily shut at 7pm as 60 firefighters and eight fire engines rushed to tackle the blazes.Video footage shared online shows several bushfires involving trees, dry grass and shrubbery on the railway billowing thick black smoke into the sky.London Fire Brigade said crews and the British Transport Police were evacuating hundreds of passengers from trains at a standstill next to the flames.The inferno has caused commuter chaos across Transport for London and National Rail services at the station, which sees more than 50 million passengers pass through it each year.TfL said the fires have triggered severe delays on the Elizabeth, Mildmay and Jubilee lines, while National Rail said all lines through the station were closed until further notice.Station Commander Scott Thorpe, who was at the scene, said: 'This fire is predominantly located within an area of grass and shrubbery that is surrounded on all sides by railway tracks. 'Crews are also working to extinguish other pockets of fire in around the station's sidings. Several bushfires have broken out near the railway at Stratford station this evening Footage shared online showed flames erupting from dry shrubbery including grass, trees and bushes Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines rushed to the train station to tackle the blaze'The power to the railway tracks has been isolated and the Brigade is working closely with its partners in order to resolve this incident safely.'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.'Members of the public have been advised to avoid the station, as crews from Plaistow, Poplar, Ilford and Bethnal Green fire stations worked to extinguish the fire.By 10pm, the fires were declared 'under control' by the brigade, but crews continued to work into the evening to dampen hotspots and monitor any flare-ups.The London Fire Brigade has since warned of 'extreme' wildfire risks in the capital city as the record-breaking 35C heatwave rages on.It reported that fire risks in London will be increased from 'elevated' to 'extreme' over the weekend, due to the sustained dry weather and blistering temperatures.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 grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.'With so many of London's parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place.' Passengers shared video footage of one blaze near the railway lines after their train was brought to a standstill A video shared on social media shows one blaze billowing thick black smoke into the sky Firefighters prepare to tackle a bushfire blaze at Stratford station this eveningTemperature records continue to be smashed, as 2026 becomes the first year to see temperatures of 35C or higher across three calendar months.The previous heatwave records were set in 1976 and 2020, when five days of 35C and above were recorded.Today was expected to mark the peak of the latest record-breaking heatwave, although temperatures are expected to remain swelteringly hot over the weekend. Met Office science manager, Dr Amy Doherty said this year has seen a remarkable number of temperature milestones set.She told Sky News: 'Not only have we now recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, but it is also the first year in the UK weather record to see temperatures reach 35C or higher in May, June and July.'These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures, with exceptional warmth observed across multiple months.' Water companies have issued restrictions for their customers in preparation for the latest heatwave.Anglian Water announced five million customers would face restrictions including a hosepipe ban due to drought fears.Affinity Water also announced that customers will have to tighten their taps as the hot weather continues.