Fire chiefs are urging Londoners to avoid starting blazes in their gardens due to an elevated risk of wildfires spreading rapidly. They also advise creating fire breaks in gardens amid the heightened danger.
Wildfire Threat Nears City
Just days ago, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan warned that French-style wildfires were "on our doorstep." Temperatures are forecast to reach 33C on Wednesday, the week's peak, before cooling. The threat is especially acute in parts of east and south London, and Kent, due to dry ground, high temperatures, and low humidity.
London Fire Brigade 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."
Barbecue Safety Advice
The LFB is concerned that fires could start in gardens, possibly from poorly handled BBQs. Mr. Goodall explained: "The long period of dry weather has increased the fire risk in people's gardens. 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." He stressed that barbecues should be set up on level ground and not used in parks, open spaces, or on balconies.
LFB crews attended 1,345 incidents over the weekend, having dealt with significant blazes in recent weeks, including a major fire in Walthamstow that damaged gardens and homes.
Royal Parks and Health Alerts
The wildfire threat extends into the city centre, with Royal Parks around Buckingham Palace described as "tinderboxes" due to weeks of scorching heat. Royal Parks staff have been advised not to leave deckchairs under trees over fears of falling branches. A Royal Parks spokesperson said: "We are fully aware of 'summer branch drop', when trees can shed branches due to stress from prolonged dry, hot weather, particularly when periods of heat are interspersed with heavy rain. Managing a landscape with tens of thousands of trees is complex. While it is never possible to eliminate risk entirely, we take active measures to reduce it as far as possible."
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for London, the South East, the East Midlands, and the East of England. The alert is in place from Tuesday to Thursday, warning that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
