As temperatures are set to rise above 30 degrees again this week, and summer holidays beginning, firefighters are warning Londoners to stay safe in the heat.
Despite a brief period of rain at the weekend, large parts of the capital’s green spaces remain at risk from wildfires. Prolonged hot weather has dried out grass and woodlands, leaving them vulnerable to fire.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a grass fire at Ingrebourne Hill, Havering, on Saturday. Around 10 hectares of grassland was damaged by the fire, and around 35 residents from nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution. Crews worked for just under four hours to bring the fire under control.
If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. Alongside poorly disposed of cigarettes, they pose a significant fire risk. The heat from a disposable BBQ can be retained for many hours, even after we think we have put out a barbecue safely. Smoking materials need to be discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available.
The long period of dry weather has also increased the fire risk in people's gardens. For those having a BBQ at home, ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like, dry brush, long grasses, fences or sheds and avoid setting up your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden. If you live in a property with a balcony, never use it is a place to set up your BBQ.
The safety of people around water is also a high priority for the Brigade. With schools broken up for the holidays, firefighters are urging parents and guardians to speak to children about the dangers of open water. The call for action follows a number of accidental drownings, many involving children, that occurred across the UK during hot weather this year.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: “With the start of the summer holidays, it is important people stay safe whilst enjoying the hot weather.
“If you’re out in our parks and open spaces, you can help reduce the risk of wildfires. Keep your disposable BBQ at home, put your rubbish in bins and safely dispose of smoking materials.
“London’s waterways may look like a great way to cool off, but they can pose serious danger. Only swim in designated bathing areas, where it is safe to do so. Open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth - all of which can be fatal.
“Over the holiday period, it is important parents and guardians discuss these dangers with young people. Whether it is water safety or the risk of wildfires, it's important we all know what we can do to stay safe.”