Alarming reports of a serious fire on the David Lloyd Hampton golf course, potentially close to a gas main, have emerged tonight.

Images and video posted on social media revealed a large black cloud of smoke and flames shooting into the sky above the Hampton area.

In some footage, people playing golf on the course could be seen against a background of raging flames.

A video of the blaze can be found here.

One eyewitness reported that the Fire Brigade successfully put out the fire by around 8.30pm while the situation was also helped by a short downpour.

He said: "A huge fire corner Staines Road and Sixth Cross Road at the very back of Fulwell Golf Course put out by Fire Brigade before Shell Petrol Station went up!"

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson tweeted: "Very concerned to see reports of big fire in Twickenham at the golf course near David Lloyd.

"My thanks to all those from London Fire Brigade Richmond working hard to bring it under control. Please stay away from the area."

The news came on a day of multiple fires across the capital as London burned in record temperatures of 40C.

The severe temperatures in recent days has turned the grass on the course and many other green spaces across the borough into a tinder box.

It is understood that a number of residents living around the course have had to be evacuated to escape the smoke and fumes.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, said: "I am aware of the dreadful news of a fire at Hampton David Lloyd. I have asked Council officers to stand ready to support the London Fire brigade and residents who have been evacuated. 

"Richmond Borough Council stands ready to support as necessary and we hope the blaze is quickly controlled."

Earlier today, London Fire Brigade has declared a major incident as firefighters battle several significant fires across the capital during today's record-breaking heatwave.

The number of serious incidents has prompted the Brigade to ask people to only call 999 if there is an emergency or if there's an immediate risk to life and not to have barbecues or bonfires.

This follows Commissioner Andy Roe writing to all London local authorities asking for their support in a temporary ban of disposable barbecues in all public parks and open spaces.

Firefighters are still meeting the needs of our communities, but declaring a major incident allows us to focus our resources.

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. 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."

In addition to several other grass and building fires earlier today, firefighters currently dealing with significant fires across London including:

Thirty fire engines dealing with a grass fire on Pea Lane in Upminster.

Fifteen fire engines tackling a fire on The Green in Wennington.

Twelve fire engines tackling a fire involving garden fencing and trees on Uxbridge Road in Pinner.

Ten fire engines tackling a restaurant fire on Green Lanes in Southgate.

Eight fire engines tackling a grass fire on Oaks Road in Croydon.

Eight fire engines tackling a grass fire on Ballards Road in Dagenham.

Eight fire engines tackling a fire on The Broadway in Wembley.

Six fire engines tackling a grass fire on Sunningfields Crescent in Hendon.

Four fire engines tackling a grass fire on Chapel View in Croydon.

Four fire engines tackling a fire on Sidcup Road in Eltham.

UPDATE

London Fire Brigade said four fire engines and around 25 crew tackled the blaze.

It said: 'Around two hectares of trees and undergrowth was alight.

'The Brigade was called at 19.23. Fire crews from West Norwood, Twickenham and Heston fire stations were at the scene, as well as colleagues from Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.'