Wildfires: yesterday’s blaze across several acres of Wanstead Flats needed dozens of fire crews to get it under control. The Fire Brigade and charities are urging the public to take extra care to avoid causing similar fires in their areas
An amber heat health warning is in place for London from today until 6pm on tomorrow, as temperatures soar above 30°C in the capital’s fourth heatwave of this summer.
Temperatures in London reached 31.9°C yesterday, and are forecast to touch as high as 34°C today.
The long, dry summer has seen wildfires take hold at multiple locations around the country in recent days, closest to home at Wanstead Flats in east London, with RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, issuing a special public warning to take hot weather risks seriously and act responsibly to prevent further incidents.
Fire crews from across east London were called out yesterday to Wanstead Flats, where 7 acres of grass had caught fire, and multiple pockets of the blaze. Wanstead had been the scene of London’s biggest grass fire three years ago, and yesterday locals were advised to keep their windows and doors closed against the smoke and to avoid the area.
The London Fire Brigade say that they had the fire under control by 8pm.
Hot work: many wildfires have been caused by carelessness and can be avoided
Over the weekend, more than 100 firefighters battled a wildfire in Dorset that forced the evacuation of 20 homes. Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, a popular beauty spot and tourist destination, was also engulfed in flames.
“These fires are a stark reminder that the UK is not immune to the dangers of extreme heat,” said Steve Cole from RoSPA.
“With temperatures soaring and vegetation drying out, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically — even in urban areas.
“The fact is that many wildfires are preventable. Simple actions — like properly disposing of cigarettes, and avoiding open flames — can make a huge difference.”
RoSPA has offered advice on the parts we can all play to reduce the risk of wildfires:
- Avoid open flames: Do not light barbecues (especially disposable barbecues), campfires or disposable grills in parks, woodlands or heathland areas.
- Dispose of cigarettes responsibly: Never discard cigarette ends on the ground, especially in dry grassy areas.
- Stay alert: Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 999.
- Protect your property: Clear dry vegetation from around your home and follow local fire safety guidance.
The London Ambulance Service has warned that it is expecting a very busy period today and tomorrow due to the heat.
Busy period: London Ambulance have urged us to check on vulnerable and older people
There is a warning of “significant impacts” across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
There have also been warnings that England is facing “nationally significant” water shortages, as the country faces more hot, dry conditions.
The national drought group, which includes the Met Office, regulators, government, water companies and other organisations, has met as five areas of the country remain in drought, with six more in prolonged dry weather status.
The lack of rain this spring and summer is also affecting crop yields, reducing feed for livestock, damaging wetlands and river wildlife and increasing wildfires, the national drought group says.
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