This is the scene in a small village after a fire ripped through it, destroying a number of homes this afternoon.

Aerial pictures have revealed the condition of Wennington, on Essex-London border in East London, after temperatures hit 40c on day two of a national heatwave.

It comes as a number of fires have been reported in Essex since temperatures rose above 30c on Monday.

Read more: Long delays as smoke from field fire blows across major road in south Essex

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has declared a major incident due to “a huge surge” in blazes across the capital.

Around 100 firefighters have been tackling a blaze in the village of Wennington, east London, with television footage showing black smoke billowing into the air.

Meanwhile, a number of homes and fields are on fire

.Read more: Fire near c2c train tracks sees services cancelled in south Essex

Echo: The shocking scenes from earlier today Picture: SKY NEWSThe shocking scenes from earlier today Picture: SKY NEWS

Echo: The shocking scenes from earlier today Picture: SKY NEWSThe shocking scenes from earlier today Picture: SKY NEWS

The fire brigade said in a statement it is battling “several significant” incidents in the capital, as people have been urged not to have barbecues or bonfires due to the “unprecedented” challenges crews face.

Freya Gutteridge, 23, a local who works nearby at Rainham House, said "I noticed the fire in Wennington when I went to lunch at two and since then our whole office has just been watching everywhere we look there's a new one.

"We're all really worried the wind is strong and we're seeing on the news that loads of houses are on fire and there aren't enough fire engines." 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said LFB is under “immense pressure”.

LFB’s assistant commissioner for operational resilience and control, Patrick Goulbourne, said: “The brigade remains ready to respond to incidents.

“However, we want to ensure our resources are available for people who really need our help.

“If you see a fire smouldering, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Echo: A blaze in the village of Wennington, east London. Freya Gutteridge, 23, a local who works nearby at Rainham House said "I noticed the fire in Wennington when I went to lunch at two and since then our whole office has just been watching everywhere we look there's a new one. We're all really worried the wind is strong and we're seeing on the news that loads of houses are on fire and there isn't enough fire engines.A blaze in the village of Wennington, east London. Freya Gutteridge, 23, a local who works nearby at Rainham House said "I noticed the fire in Wennington when I went to lunch at two and since then our whole office has just been watching everywhere we look there's a new one. We're all really worried the wind is strong and we're seeing on the news that loads of houses are on fire and there isn't enough fire engines.

“The sooner we know about a fire, the sooner we can bring it under control and prevent it from spreading further, reducing the need for us to mobilise additional resources.

“We are also strongly urging people not to have barbecues or bonfires today as the ground is incredibly dry, which means even the smallest sparks could cause a fire.

“Please take care during the heatwave as all emergency services are facing unprecedented challenges.”

Mr Khan said on Twitter: “London Fire Brigade has just declared a major incident in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today.

“This is critical: @LondonFire is under immense pressure.

“Please be safe. I’m in touch with the Commissioner and will share updates when I have them.”