Barking and Dagenham Council's parks team is being praised for its quick action in preventing a major fire at Beam Parklands. Thanks to preventative measures already in place, including fire breaks, the spread of the fire was slowed, allowing the London Fire Brigade to bring it under control.
At the Assembly meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025, Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council / Labour Group, addressed the incident, stating that the fire damaged a significant area of grassland and trees. He credited the Council's parks team for installing fire breaks, which slowed the fire's spread. This allowed the London Fire Brigade to minimise the risk to nearby residential properties.
Councillor Twomey reminded residents that parks should be safe for everyone and urged them to help prevent future incidents by properly disposing of cigarettes and waste. He noted that even small actions, like dropping a cigarette or leaving a glass bottle, can start fires, especially when the grass is dry.
He also mentioned that the waste collection team has been experiencing operational issues, causing delays in recycling waste collection. Councillor Twomey stated that the team is working hard to coordinate collections and get back on schedule, aiming to be on track by the end of the month. Updates will be posted on the council's website and social media, and councillors are sharing information on social media as well.