London Fire Brigade is sharing advice to help Londoners enjoy the hot weather safely, ahead of the capital’s first potential heatwave of the year.
As forecasters predict temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, and the UK Health Security Agency issues a yellow heat health alert for London, the Brigade is sharing a range of tips to help communities to keep safe in the heat.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner, Paul McCourt, said: “We know that barbecues will be very popular this weekend, so we’re sharing some simple safety tips that will help to prevent a fire ruining your Bank Holiday. In fact, barbecue fires in April and May are more common than you might think*.
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is positioned on level ground, and away from flammable materials like fences, sheds and trees.
“Please don’t have a barbecue on a balcony, or on decking, and please do keep children and pets away from barbecues.”
Heightened risk of wildfires
The hot weather also brings the increased risk of grass fires and wildfires. These are often caused by human behaviour, either accidentally or deliberately.
Assistant Commissioner McCourt added: “We had a wetter-than-usual winter, which allowed vegetation to grow, followed by one of the driest Aprils on record. As we head into a week of hot weather, the risk of wildfire is very real.
“The Natural Hazards Partnership has assessed there will be a heightened risk of wildfires in London over the Bank Holiday weekend, as well as the half-term school holidays, so we must all play our part to protect our green spaces and surrounding communities. In particular, we’d encourage parents to talk to their children about our advice, to help young people to stay safe.”
People can help prevent grass fires and wildfires by not using disposable barbecues, which are banned in many of London’s parks, as well as being careful about how they dispose of cigarettes.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Caroline Haines, said: “As custodians of some of London’s most iconic open spaces, we’re asking visitors to help us protect them during the warm weather this Bank Holiday weekend.
“With higher temperatures expected, we’re urging people not to light fires or barbecues of any kind, and to take litter home.
“Dry conditions can allow fires to spread quickly, putting wildlife, green spaces, and nearby communities at risk. By following simple safety advice, everyone can help keep these much-loved spaces safe to enjoy.”
The Brigade has been preparing for grass fires and wildfires with firefighters and officers undergoing enhanced training in recent years. Our fleet of 4x4 Terrain Support Vehicles are also available to respond, enabling crews to tackle grass fires and wildfires more efficiently.
Last week, an event was held at Wanstead Flats in partnership with the City of London Corporation and other agencies. The event showcased the specialist equipment and capabilities of partners and provided training and learning to enable agencies to prepare, prevent and respond to wildfires.
Cold water shock
London Fire Brigade is also urging caution around the water over the Bank Holiday. The Brigade’s figures show that 40 per cent of water-related incidents occur between May and August. In the last five years, firefighters have attended more than 1,500 water-related incidents, and 103 people have tragically drowned accidentally.
Assistant Commissioner McCourt said: “We know that the warmer weather can tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains very cold, and can be below 16°C. This can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Despite a calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth - all of which can be fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, only do so in designated areas, and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.
“If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”