Firefighters tackled two grass fires in Rainham within just over an hour of each other.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to New Road at 1354, where around two acres of shrubland and trees were alight. The fire was under control by 1530. Crews from Hornchurch, Dagenham, East Ham and Romford fire stations attended the scene.
Just over an hour later at 1516, firefighters were mobilised to another grass fire in close proximity on Upminster Road North. Around six hectares of grassland was damaged by fire. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Plaistow, Ilford, Harold Hill and Dagenham fire stations attended and brought the fire under control by 1710.
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took a total of 11 calls to the grass fires. Thankfully, no one was injured at any of them.
Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: “For many people, this week will feel like the start of summer with temperatures rising, especially as the sunny weather is expected to continue into the weekend and beyond.
“With hot weather comes the temptation to host BBQs or to head out to one of London's many open spaces to enjoy the sunshine. However it is important to make sure you are doing so safely. We've had the driest spring in over a century, and the result is a heightened risk of grass fires, while the dry weather also means that fires can spread more easily.
“If you’re out in the park or at an open space, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you, make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. If you’re having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid having your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.
“We’re also urging landowners and local authorities to take action now by creating fire breaks to protect communities from wildfires this summer. This includes cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.”
Disposable BBQs
If you are visiting an open park or space, please do not take a disposable barbecue with you – in fact disposable BBQs are banned in many of London’s parks and you can be fined £100 if you are caught ignoring this ban.
Disposable BBQs should also not be used indoors, on a balcony or in close proximity to flammable items like sheds and fences.
Disposable BBQs can cause grass fires, especially when the ground is dry. They pose a significant fire risk if they are not used appropriately and extinguished properly because the heat can be retained for many hours even after a barbeque has been put out.
BBQ safety at home or in a designated public area
Position your BBQ outdoors, on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, or trees.
Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended.
Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ.
Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ.
After cooking, make sure the BBQ is cool before moving or cleaning.
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire.
Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Smoking
Discarded smoking materials pose a huge fire risk. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out.
Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
If you are smoking on your balcony, have an ashtray to hand, and don’t flick your ashes off the balcony.
Rubbish
Leftover rubbish poses a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them.
Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or open spaces – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home and recycle them).