Dry run: with drought-like conditions and soaring temperatures, the London Fire Brigade says that they have already had to deal with 14 wildfires this summer
The London Fire Brigade has issued an urgent warning to the public of a “severe risk of wildfires” ahead of this weekend’s heatwave.
London and the south-east of England have endured drought-like conditions with unusually low rainfall since March, while the Met Office is forecasting temperatures soaring to 35º over the next four days – a potent mix that threatens to cause significant destruction, the Brigade warns.
The LFB has issued its public advice to avoid fires starting in the first place, but has also called on landowners and local authorities, such as Croydon Council, to take action now to protect communities from wildfires.
Thomas Goodall, the LFB’s assistant commissioner, said: “London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather.
“But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe.
“So far this year, firefighters have responded to around 14 wildfires in the capital. There have also been countless call-outs to smaller fires involving grass, trees and in other outdoor spaces, as well as in people’s gardens.
Grass fire perils: with lots of the capital’s open spaces close to residential areas, wildfires put lives and property at risk
“During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly. In London, this can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.
“If you’re heading out, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. They can retain heat for several hours after use and are banned by local authorities from many of London’s parks. Also make sure you are discarding of smoking materials properly and take rubbish home with you if no bins are available.
“At home, make sure your BBQ is positioned away from flammable items like fences, sheds, decking and trees, and please don’t have any type of BBQ on your balcony.
“We’re also strongly advising people to avoid burning any waste in this type of weather and to not have bonfires, particularly in their gardens.”
In 2022, 20 people had to be evacuated from their homes in Norbury when a grassfire took hold on some playing fields behind their street, which spread into some back gardens, destroying sheds and other property. The incident was investigated for possible arson.
Arson: the grass fire in a Norbury playing field in 2022 was investigated as having been started deliberately. The fire swiftly spread into gardens, and 20 people had to be evacuated
Separate incidents in South Norwood Country Park, Roundshaw Downs and in the Addington Hills also saw the Brigade called out to deal with blazes in and around Croydon, with more than 100 firefighters battling to stop two potentially devastating grass fires spreading in the Addington Hills and in Selsdon.
The fires in the Croydon hills were just two of seven in the capital on the hottest day ever recorded, with temperatures reaching 40º and higher.
This year, the Brigade is trialling the use of four wildfire response vehicles. So far this year, the vehicles have been deployed at 19 incidents across the capital.
Agile response: the LFB has four new vehicles deployed to deal with wildfires
The vehicles are light, agile and have off-road capabilities which mean that they can reach places that standard fire engines cannot. The vehicles are equipped with “misting lance technology”, which the Brigade says “significantly enhances the way in which firefighters extinguish these fires”.
The Fire Brigade wants landowners and councils to create fire breaks in their open spaces, cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. “These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.”
Read more: Fire, thunder and ice – real life drama up on Roundshaw Downs
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