Out of control: a French firefighter near Landiras, as wildfires continue to spread in the Gironde region of southwestern France. Spain has also been badly affected by wildfires, which in some cases are suspected of having been set deliberately
After one of its busiest weekends on record, with blazes in Mitcham and in Wandle Park among more than 1,300 call-outs, the LFB is issuing further appeals for the public to behave responsibly
As massive wildfires continue into a second week in southern France, in Spain and other parts of Europe, here in London, the Fire Brigade is urging the public to exercise caution in and around the capital’s parks and open spaces, and has even advised residents to consider creating firebreaks around their gardens to protect their homes.
Smoke stack: thick black, acrid smoke from the flat fire in Mitcham on Saturday
Firefighters had to deal with a grass fire across nearly three acres of Wandle Park in Croydon on Sunday, one of 1,345 incidents the London Fire Brigade attended in the capital between Friday (July 24) and Sunday (July 26).
These fires included the large blaze across several flats at Belgrave Walk, Mitcham, where more than 30 residents had to be evacuated on Saturday. The cause of that fire is under investigation.
The Wandle Park fire needed attention from 10 firefighters from Croydon and Wallington fire stations. “One tree and around 20 metres of scrubland was destroyed by fire,” the LFB told Inside Croydon.
Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: “While we are fully prepared to respond, we need everyone to play their part in helping to prevent incidents. Wildfires in particular can spread rapidly, require significant resources and have devastating consequences for people, properties, wildlife and the environment.
“Wildfires can also have a lasting impact on the health of Londoners because of the smoke plumes that they produce.
“If you’re heading to a park or open space to enjoy the sunshine, please don’t take a disposable barbecue with you. Even after they have been extinguished, they can retain heat for many hours and pose a serious fire risk. Please also dispose of smoking materials responsibly and either use the bins provided or take your litter home if there are none available.”
Wildfire on the Wandle: tall, dry grass after weeks without rain risked the rapid spread of this fire in a Croydon park
After several weeks without rain, large parts of London remain at risk, with grass and woodlands dried out, leaving them vulnerable to fire. Disposable barbecues are banned from many parks in Croydon and Sutton. Carelessly discarded cigarettes, or even dumped glass bottles, carry risk of causing fire in the tinder-box conditions.
“If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you,” is the plea from the LFB.
“They pose a significant fire risk. The heat from a disposable BBQ can be retained for many hours, even after we think we have put out a barbecue safely. Smoking materials need to be discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available.”
The Brigade also urges caution over garden parties. “For those having a BBQ at home, ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like dry brush, long grasses, fences or sheds, and avoid setting up your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.
“If you live in a property with a balcony, never use it is a place to set up your BBQ.”
And the Brigade has also started offering advice to create fire breaks for homeowners whose properties may border parks or open spaces that are vulnerable to grass fires.
Hosing down: firefighters dealing with the grassfire in Wandle Park, which left nearly three acres charred
Households have had to be evacuated when wildfires in a park or sports ground have encroached on residential properties.
The Fire Brigade says: “If possible create a fire break around your property. You can do this by clearing two to three metres around all sides of your home and garden.
“Clear flammable debris, like dead leaves, from your garden and guttering.
“Try to position any sheds or garden furniture away from your home.
Keeping your garden watered in dry spells makes it less combustible. When a hosepipe ban is in place, consider using water butts or wastewater from your home to water your garden.
“Keep grass cut short and consider cutting back trees and shrubs that are close to your home. Dispose of your garden waste responsibly.”
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