It is the middle of March, but such is the tinderbox nature of some of the capital’s open spaces, the London Fire Brigade has had to issue a special warning to the public to help avoid causing wildfires.

Tinder box: after a month of dry weather, the London Fire Brigade is asking the public to behave responsibly in parks and open spaces

The wildfire warning status has been raised to amber, because there is an increased risk of wildfires due to the low rainfall so far this month, alongside unseasonably high temperatures. Parts of London recorded temperatures of 21 degrees yesterday, on March 20.

The Brigade has provided a set of advice points to remind people how they can stay safe and act responsibly if they are out enjoying the sunshine.

“While London may not be experiencing the same high temperatures as the summer months, wildfires can still occur, especially as we’ve had a drier month than usual this March, and due to the possibility of windy conditions,” the LFB said.

“We want everyone to enjoy the dry weather, but we urge you to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and help prevent a wildfire from starting.

“It only takes a small spark to ignite grass, shrubs, or litter and with the heightened weather conditions, any fire can quickly get out of control. Grass and land fires are commonly caused by discarded cigarettes and matches, rubbish left lying around and disposable barbecues.

“We would urge Londoners not to have barbecues on balconies or in open spaces, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.”

London Fire Brigade advice

Disposable BBQs

• If you are visiting a park or open space, please do not take a disposable barbecue with you – disposable BBQs are banned in many of London’s parks and you can be fined £100 if you are caught ignoring this ban
• Disposable BBQs should also not be used indoors, on a balcony or in close proximity to flammable items like sheds and fences
• Disposable BBQs can cause grass fires, especially when the ground is dry. They pose a significant fire risk if they are not used appropriately and extinguished properly because the heat can be retained for many hours even after a barbeque has been put out
• BBQ safety at home or in a designated public area
• Position your BBQ outdoors, on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, or trees
• Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended
• Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ
• Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ
• After cooking, make sure the BBQ is cool before moving or cleaning
• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins.  If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies

Smoking

• Discarded smoking materials pose a huge fire risk. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
• If you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony

Rubbish

• Leftover rubbish poses a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or open spaces – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home and recycle them)

• Further safety advice is available on the Brigade’s website

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