An "exceptionally high" wildfire threat is expected in parts of London this week as temperatures are forecast to reach 33C, according to a map from the Met Office and Natural England. The UK Fire Severity Index evaluates how severe a fire could become if one were to start.
Areas at highest risk
From Tuesday (July 28) through Sunday (August 2), London faces a "very high" wildfire severity risk. On Wednesday, the severity upgrades to "exceptionally high" in Bromley, Croydon, Dartford, Erith, and Thamesmead. The Met Office forecasts highs of 33C on Wednesday, dropping to around 27C on Thursday and 25C on Friday.
Parts of Essex and Kent neighbouring London, including Maidstone, Gravesend, Chatham, Basildon, and Billericay, also face exceptional wildfire severity. Seaside spots like Margate and Whitstable, along with large parts of Suffolk between Framlingham and Thetford, are also under the highest threat level.
Dry conditions spark warnings
The risk is expected to downgrade by Thursday, but warnings have been issued after weeks without rain. London's parks and open spaces have become tinderboxes. Sir Sadiq Khan has warned of wildfires after blazes in Spain and France. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said the "climate crisis is having a devastating impact on our environment" and that European wildfires are "posing a genuine threat to life." The statement added, "This isn't a faraway issue, it's on our doorstep right now."
Three separate grass fires broke out in Enfield, Bexley, and Erith on Monday, burning nearly four hectares. According to the map, Bexley and Erith will see wildfire severity upgraded to "exceptional" this week. This follows a spate of wildfires in Walthamstow, Stratford, and Dagenham weeks earlier.
During the third heatwave in mid-July, around 19 wildfires broke out simultaneously across the UK. The London Fire Brigade has repeatedly warned against barbecues in open spaces and public parks due to dry conditions and advised creating fire breaks and keeping lawns short. A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council said local fire services are preparing for elevated wildfire risk.
The Fire Severity Index evaluates wildfire severity based on rainfall, temperature, and humidity. It does not assess the likelihood of a fire starting. The majority of wildfires are caused by human behaviour, either deliberately or accidentally, though some occur naturally.
