Grass and Wildfires

Wildfires are uncontrolled and unpredictable. They can spread very quickly.

What to do if you discover a wildfire

• Make sure you're in a safe place (away from vegetation and smoke). Stay calm and call 999 immediately.
• If you're in your car, close all windows and vents.
• When you call 999 be as precise as you can about the location, the size and any other information. The free what3words app can help you pinpoint your location, so download it now.
• Don't try to tackle the fire yourself.
• Stay well away from wildfires as fire can smoulder or spread underground.

How to prevent grass fires  

Anything burning can start a grass fire. Cigarettes and barbecues are commonly to blame.   

Barbecues 

Barbecues can cause fires when smouldering ash and embers are carried by the wind onto areas of dry grass.

• Don't have barbecues (including disposable ones) in parks and public spaces. Take a picnic instead.
• Be aware that children, animals, balls or anything else may knock over barbecues, increasing the risk of grass fires. Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the barbecue.
• Never leave barbecues unattended and put them out properly after you’ve finished using them.  
• Put your barbecue on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire (for example sheds, fences, trees, tents). 
• Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use. 
• Don’t barbecue on balconies. Flames, sparks and hot embers can cause a fire and spread quickly to other parts of the building or nearby grassland.
• If you decide to use a disposable barbecue – put it right out and make sure it’s cooled before you throw it away. Long after they have been discarded they can still cause fires and give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

Cigarettes 

It's safest not to smoke but, if you choose to smoke outdoors, please be a considerate smoker.

• Take extra care to ensure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of safely.
• Never throw cigarette butts from a balcony, they could start a fire elsewhere.
• Don’t drop cigarettes onto dry ground or throw them from car windows.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Glass bottles 

Glass bottles and other clear materials can start fires if left in direct sunlight. Make sure you don’t leave any glass bottles lying around in parks and open spaces. Take your litter home with you if nearby bins are full.

Arson

Arson (deliberate firesetting) is a criminal offence that can lead to loss of life and injury. It can damage property and have a negative effect on the environment.

Setting a fire in parks and open spaces such as grasslands, wooded areas, sports grounds and allotments not only kills wildlife, it can cause widespread damage especially during extreme hot and dry weather.

If you see any suspicious activity report it by calling either: Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police on 101.

London Fire Brigade offers free one-to-one fire safety education to children and young people who have demonstrated any type of firesetting or fire play and provide advice to parents and carers. Visit our Firesetting Intervention Scheme page to find out more.