Wildfires: they have been spreading like… well, wildfires, with the LFB reporting more than 200 call outs on Wednesday, including two in one afternoon in New Addington
Croydon Council has issued a “no barbecues” appeal for the borough’s parks and open spaces ahead of the weekend, after two more wildfires in the borough were among the hundreds of call-outs for the London Fire Brigade on its busiest day of the summer heatwave so far.
There were two separate wildfires in New Addington on Wednesday, a day when the Brigade had to deal with “the highest number of grass fires recorded in a single day so far this year”.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire which damaged around five acres on North Downs Crescent in mid-afternoon. With temperatures soaring to the low 30s, it took the firefighters almost an hour to get the grass fire under control.
Two hours later, just before 6pm, three fire engines and around 15 firefighters were called out to tackle another grass fire on Field Way, where two acres were alight. That incident took half-an-hour to get under control.
The Croydon fires were among more than 200 wildfire incidents across the capital listed by the LFB as requiring call-outs on July 29. Some light rain in parts of London yesterday evening is unlikely to have done enough to alleviate the tinder-dry conditions after weeks of drought.
Brigade control officers answered more than 1,300 emergency calls, while firefighters attended more than 500 incidents. “Over the past week alone, control officers have taken almost 1,000 calls related to grass fires,” the Brigade said.
Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick said: “The last 48 hours have been incredibly challenging for our firefighters, Control Officers and support staff, who have worked tirelessly in demanding conditions to keep Londoners safe. Control officers answered more than 1,300 emergency calls, while firefighters have been operating in arduous, hot conditions to tackle fires and protect homes and communities.
“While we’ve been fully prepared to respond, the public has an important role to play in preventing fires from starting in the first place. In these hot, dry conditions, grass fires can spread incredibly quickly, threatening homes, wildlife and the environment, while tying up vital emergency resources.
Appeal: Croydon Council has issued appeals on social media
“With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to homes and communities, we’re asking everyone to take extra care. Please don’t use disposable barbecues in parks or open spaces, always dispose of cigarettes responsibly and take your litter home if bins are full.
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, keep it well away from fences, sheds, trees and anything else that could catch fire. You can also help protect your home by clearing away dry vegetation and garden waste and keeping combustible materials away from buildings. Small actions like these can make a big difference in reducing the risk of fire and keeping your community safe.”
On social media, Croydon Council made a public appeal: “As temperatures remain high, we’re asking everyone to take extra care when visiting our parks and open spaces.”
And they specified: “No barbecues, including disposable barbecues, in parks or public spaces.” They advised: “Pack a picnic instead.”
The council also asked for extra care to make sure cigarettes are disposed of safely, that glass bottles should not be left in parks and open spaces, and the public should take their litter home with them.
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