On 23 June, the Brigade’s Control Room in south London took 1153 emergency calls in 24 hours, mobilising firefighters to 737 separate incidents. Around 400 of the calls received were related to flooding experienced across the capital following heavy thunderstorms overnight.
The busy day for London’s firefighters also saw crews rescue around 300 people from a stranded train near Drayton Park Railway Station, alongside the British Transport Police and Network Rail.
As the temperature continues to rise, the Brigade is enacting plans to ensure firefighters remain ready to respond to emergencies and have a range of capabilities ready to deal with water rescue, flooding and wildfires linked to current weather.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulboune said: “The Brigade’s control officers are constantly monitoring where our resources need to be so we’re ready to keep London safe in an emergency.
“Due to the heightened risk during this hot weather period, we have also ensured that our specialist Terrain Support Vehicles are ready to tackle any fires in the open, and our water rescue capability is prepared for any emergency involving London’s 370 miles of waterways.”
With schools across the capital closed due to rising temperatures, the Brigade is calling on parents, teachers and guardians to make sure young people know how to stay safe around water. Since 2020 there have been 112 accidental drownings across the capital.
Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne continued: “In this weather, it can be tempting for children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes. However, this can be incredibly dangerous.
“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth - all of which could prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.