Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a trackside fire near Morley Road in Lewisham on Sunday.
Firefighters tackled a fire next to a railway track, where sparks from a passing train had ignited vegetation along the track. The fire impacted a nearby residential property damaging a shed, fence panels and a small amount of garden furniture.
The Brigade's Control Office received the first of 22 calls at 2026 and mobilised crews from Forest Hill, Dockhead, East Greenwich and Peckham fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control at 2148.
In these dry conditions, it only takes a spark to start a grass fire and they can spread rapidly, quickly threatening homes, workplaces and the environment. Here are a few measures you can take to help prevent a fire in your garden.
Remove combustible materials
By removing anything flammable, like dry grass or piles of rubbish, you’re removing fuel for any wildfires.
- Keep grass cut short (below 7cm).
- Consider cutting back trees and shrubs that are close to your home. Dispose of your garden waste responsibly.
- If possible create a fire break around your property. You can do this by clearing 2-3m around all sides of your home and garden.
- Clear flammable debris, like dead leaves, from your garden and guttering.
- Try to position any sheds or garden furniture away from your home.
- Keeping your garden watered in dry spells makes it less combustible. If a hosepipe ban is in place, consider using water butts or wastewater from your home to water your garden.
Compost heaps
Compost heaps can be a source of grass fires, so if you have one in your garden or allotment, follow the advice below:
- Keep compost heaps, as well as any flammable material, away from buildings and other structures.
- Keep your pile moist. If you're worried that it's too dry and could be a fire risk, use a watering can or hose to add a bit more moisture.
- Keep a good balance of green and brown materials.
- Keep turning the pile so the heat dissipates.