With London on course for one of the driest springs on record, and the increased risk of a hot summer ahead, London Fire Brigade is urging councils and landowners to play their part to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires by introducing fire breaks.
London provides one of the most challenging urban environments in the world for a fire and rescue service. Just under half of the capital is considered as green space but the risk is heightened because many of these green spaces lie next to homes and businesses.
To help protect lives and properties from wildfires, those responsible for managing these green spaces are being asked to take crucial prevention steps in advance of any hot weather. This includes creating fire breaks, especially where residential properties are close by. This can include cutting and removing grass or ploughing earth to remove any flammable vegetation. The purpose of a fire break is to create a barrier that prevents the easy spread of fire by reducing or eliminating the fuel available, such as long dry grass, for the fire to consume.
Charlie Pugsley, London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner for Operational Policy, Prevention & Protection, said: “Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire and particularly when that grass is tinder dry, the spread of fire can be rapid. We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea.
“The rapid spread can be particularly worrying if it is in the direction of homes and livelihoods so it is vital we all do what we can to protect those areas ahead of periods of hot and dry weather. Last month, I wrote to the chief executives of each London local authority, outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking.
“We have made improvements to how we plan, train and respond to grass fires but we hope the actions we’re asking local authorities and landowners to take will help minimise impact and disruption, particularly in light of the weather conditions we have been seeing and what we might see over the coming months.”
In 2022, London saw record-breaking temperatures and long periods of dry weather that resulted in some of the most severe wildfires that the capital has ever witnessed. Swathes of grassland were burnt and, in some cases, such as in Wennington, properties were destroyed. The Met Office has confirmed England has seen the driest spring in more than 100 years, which mirrors the weather conditions ahead of the summer of 2022. The Met Office has also warned there is an increased risk of heatwaves in the coming months, so by taking steps now, it is possible to reduce the dangers that high temperatures can pose.
James St John Davis, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment Board, said: “As custodians of some of London’s most iconic open spaces, we manage complex landscapes that are often right next to people’s homes – where the threat of wildfire is very real.
“We reduce risk through seasonal grass cutting, natural fire breaks, and widespread staff training to respond swiftly – often before emergency crews arrive. This year we’ve also invested in three new fire fogging units to tackle contained fires, such as those caused by barbecues.
“But prevention is everyone’s responsibility – even a single glass bottle or cigarette butt can spark a serious blaze. Our teams are proud to work with London Fire Brigade to help protect people, property, and precious habitats.”
Grass fires can be prevented by avoiding the use of disposable BBQs in parks and open spaces, ensuring cigarettes are put out completely and disposed of correctly, as well as taking rubbish home if no bins are available.
Homeowners can also help by maintaining their gardens by preventing them becoming overgrown. The Brigade is also providing advice to communities on how to help reduce the risk to their properties from wildfires, with officers and firefighters engaging directly with stakeholders and communities in their boroughs to support this work.