Firefighters have put out a massive grass fire blaze on Mitcham Common the size of four football pitches. 

Three fire crews, including Mitcham, were called to an area of Mitcham Common off Croydon Road at about 12pm today.

During the incident London Fire Brigade tweeted: "Around 4 hectares of grass is alight on Mitcham Common - that's around the size of 4 football pitches #HeatWave."

The incident has caused delays on the A236 Croydon Road both ways at Beddington Lane.

There is also congestion on the A237 Carshalton Road and to Purley Way in Croydon, but no roads are closed.

The fire was brought under control and dealt with by 2pm. 

It is the second fire at the Common in the space of two days, after a blaze broke out on Tuesday evening.

A crew manager at Mitcham fire station described the large area as a 'tinder box'.

London Fire Brigade have said they are dealing with twice as many grass fires this summer than last with 21 fires a day in July and 1010 grass fire in total this summer. 

That is compared to last year when just 535 were recorded in the summer months between May and July. 

Fire chiefs are urging people to act responsibly to prevent further fires given that temperatures are expected to remain high.

Dave Brown said, the LFB's head of operations, prevention and response, said: “A small spark from a cigarette is often all it takes to start a grass fire in these dry conditions. 

"It really is important that smokers dispose of their cigarettes properly.

"Drivers also need to take care not to throw cigarettes out of car windows as they can easily burn grass verges.

“If you see a grass fire, don't attempt to put it out yourself as grass fires can be fast moving and change direction without warning.

"Call the fire brigade and let us know where the fire is.”

 

Fire safety tips

• Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.

• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.

• Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes safely.

• Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.