Trains to London Stansted cancelled after wildfires erupt near tracks

Wildfires have erupted next to a busy railway line, sparking travel chaos for people travelling to and from Stansted Airport. Trains serving London Liverpool Street have been halted following a fire near the tracks in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, just before 3pm on Sunday.

Greater Anglia said the London Fire Brigade called for trains to be stopped due to the fire’s proximity to the railway lines. Services to and from Stansted Airport, Cambridge North, Meridian Water, and Hertford East have all been affected.

Services operating through these stations can expect to be delayed, cancelled or diverted through Seven Sisters, Greater Anglia added.

An LFB spokesman said: “One of the Brigade’s Terrain Support Vehicles has been sent to the scene to support firefighting efforts. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground.

“Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.”

A Stansted Express spokesperson added: “Train services running through this station may be delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Disruption is expected until further notice.

“Unfortunately, we have received reports of multiple fires close to the railway lines and as a result, and a safety precaution, the London Fire Brigade have instructed that all train movements in the area be stopped.

“In reaction trains towards and from Liverpool Street will be diverted via Seven Sisters until further notice.

“Network Rail and the emergency response team are on site working as quickly as possible to put out the fires and restore the train service to normal.”