Firefighters are issuing prevention advice after several grass fires across London over the Bank Holiday weekend.
A total of five fires occurred requiring the attendance of four or more fire engines as well as specialist vehicles.
Ashford Road, Feltham
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended a fire affecting around two hectares of grassland and shrubland on Ashford Road in Feltham on Saturday evening (23 August). The Brigade received the first of 24 calls at 2047 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Feltham, Twickenham, Richmond and Heathrow fire stations to the scene. Surrey Fire & Rescue Service also attended. The fire was brought under control by 2205.
Farthing Street, Orpington
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended a fire affecting around one-and-a-half hectares of grassland and shrubland on Farthing Street in Orpington on Sunday afternoon (24 August). The Brigade was called at 1321 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Biggin Hill, Orpington, Bromley, Addington and Beckenham fire stations to the scene. A wildfire response vehicle from Biggin Hill Fire Station also attended. The fire was brought under control by 1525.
Innova Way, Enfield
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended a fire affecting around one hectare of grassland and shrubbery at Rammey Marsh on Innova Way in Enfield yesterday (25 August). The Brigade was called at 1029 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Enfield, Chingford and Edmonton fire stations to the scene. A wildfire response vehicle from Enfield Fire Station also attended. The fire was extinguished by 1208.
Woolwich Common
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters attended a fire affecting around four hectares of grassland on Woolwich Common yesterday (25 August). The Brigade received the first of 26 calls at 1101 and Control Officers mobilised crews from East Greenwich, Plumstead, Eltham, Greenwich, Deptford and Lee Green fire stations to the scene. A wildfire response vehicle from Biggin Hill Fire Station also attended along with the Brigade's drone team, providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire. The fire was largely extinguished by 1359.
George Lovell Drive, Enfield
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended a fire affecting around three hectares of grassland on George Lovell Drive in Enfield yesterday (24 August). The Brigade was called at 1511 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Enfield, Edmonton and Stoke Newington fire stations to the scene. A wildfire response vehicle from Walthamstow Fire Station also attended. The fire was brought under control by 1622.
Due to the remote location of several of these fires, water relay systems were required as part of firefighting operations. Appliances were stationed between the incident sites and the nearest water hydrant, and then connected together by hose. This is allowing crews to pump a constant supply of water to the scene of the fire.
The Brigade's Wildfire Response Vehicles supported at some of the fires. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground. Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely. The Brigade is currently trialling four wildfire response vehicles across the capital and they have been deployed at around 40 incidents this year.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Grass fires are commonly caused by human behaviour, whether that be accidental or deliberate. Whilst it can be difficult to determine the causes of these types of fires, the use of disposable BBQs and careless discarding of cigarettes are regularly the cause of outdoor fires. It is also important to place your rubbish with you, if a suitable bin isn’t available as it can ignite and quickly start a fire.
"While some wildfires can occur naturally, particularly during spells of extreme dryness and heat, the majority of these fires can be easily avoided by the public behaving responsibly.
“What might seem like harmless fun has the potential to have devastating consequences especially in London when so many of our green spaces lie close to properties. There is also the impact on wildlife and the ability for others to enjoy their local green spaces. These types of incidents can also have a impact on our resources and wildfires can be challenging for firefighters to deal with on the ground, especially if it is hot."
After a hot bank holiday, a period of cooler and wetter weather is now forecast for London. However, Londoners are being asked to continue acting responsibly to prevent further grass fires and wildfires happening especially as open spaces remain dry after a spring and summer of below-average rainfall.