London Fire Brigade urges people to help prevent wildfires
With the hot weather continuing over the weekend, the London Fire Brigade is urging everyone to help prevent wildfires from occurring, including by not lighting fires or barbecues in parks and open spaces.
If you witness a fire, including a fire on Tooting or Wandsworth Common (or any green spaces), please report it immediately by calling 999.
The risk of wildfires in London will grow from ‘elevated’ to ‘extreme’ from Saturday until at least Monday, due to factors including prolonged dry weather and heat as well as wind speed and direction. The majority of wildfires are caused by accidental or deliberate human behaviour.
Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “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 of properly.
“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.
The Brigade is constantly monitoring where its resources need to be so it is ready to keep London safe in an emergency. Specialist 4x4 Terrain Support Vehicles, which allow firefighters to deal with wildfires more efficiently, are ready to tackle any fires in the open, and the water rescue capability is prepared for any emergency involving London’s 370 miles of waterways.