Tinder box: wildfires have become increasingly common in and around Croydon’s parks and green spaces. Inside Croydon was on the scene in 2023 at Roundshaw Downs when this grass fire took more than two hours to get under control
London is facing an “extreme” wildfire risk this weekend, with more days of hot and sunny weather following the prolonged dry spell.
That’s according to the London Fire Brigade, who have been handling record numbers of call-outs during the latest heatwave.
The latest assessment by the Natural Hazards Partnership shows the risk of wildfires in London will grow from today until at least Monday. The assessment is driven by factors including further prolonged dry weather and heat as well as wind speed and direction.
The warnings follow the deaths of 12 people, with another 23 missing, in wildfires in the last 48 hours in southern Spain, in part, at least, caused by extreme weather conditions.
“While wildfires can occur naturally, the majority of them are caused by human behaviour, accidentally or deliberately,” the LFB said in a warning for London issued overnight, as they urged the public to play their part to prevent wildfires occurring.
Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.
“The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.
“With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. We have seen first-hand in London, as well as around the world, just how devastating the impact wildfires can have on livelihoods.
“That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available, and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded properly.
Ready for emergencies: the LFB has all-terrain vehicles that can get close to off-road sites, to deal with wildfires
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies.”
The Brigade is reminding landowners and local authorities to ensure they are managing their land appropriately during the hot and dry weather. This includes creating fire breaks, such as cutting the grass back, particularly where open spaces back onto properties.
Due to the heightened risks to Londoners during this period of hot weather, the Brigade is constantly monitoring where its resources need to be so it is ready to keep London safe in an emergency.
Specialist 4×4 Terrain Support Vehicles, which allow firefighters to deal with wildfires more efficiently, are ready to tackle any fires in the open.
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