Officials are warning there is a severe risk of wildfires across London as temperatures in the capital are set to climb into the 30s again during a second heatwave.
Due to the very high temperatures, coupled alongside the extremely low rainfall this year, the Natural Hazards Partnership assessment indicates there is a severe risk of wildfires in the capital at this time.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall urged residents to take certain measures to reduce the risk of wildfires, including not using disposable BBQs, discarding cigarettes safely, and not leaving rubbish in parks and open spaces.
He said: “It is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring.
“As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.”
Goodall also offered advice about the use of BBQs in their garden, and the necessity to ensure it is away from flammable items such as fences, sheds and trees.
According to the London Fire Brigade, BBQs are one of the most common causes of grass fires in London, and between 2022 and May 2025, the Brigade recorded 332 callouts, 17 of which resulted in casualties, where a BBQ was recorded as a cause or contributing factor to a fire.
Firefighters have responded to 14 wildfires around London this year, including nine in June, the most recent of which was in Enfield and required 70 firefighters to try and combat the seven hectares of shrubland which was on fire.
In order to best combat these grass fires, this summer, the London Fire Brigade is trialling the use of four wildfire response vehicles, which have already been deployed to 19 incidents across the capital.
Due to their light weight and off-road capabilities, the vehicles are able to access places which standard fire engines cannot, allowing fires to be fought with efficiency and accuracy.
The Brigade has also been calling on landowners and local authorities to help protect communities from wildfires by cutting back grass to prevent fire breaks, especially close to buildings.
Feature Image Credit: London Fire Brigade
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