A severe fire warning has been issued for London as the city continues to face extreme heat and dry conditions during a record-breaking heatwave. Temperatures in the capital are expected to soar to around 33°C, creating a heightened risk of wildfires. London's fire chief, Thomas Goodall, highlighted that the combination of high temperatures and prolonged low rainfall has created a particularly severe fire risk, exacerbated by the proximity of homes to green spaces throughout the city. He urged residents to act responsibly to prevent fires from igniting, especially as firefighters have already attended 14 wildfires this year.

Goodall warned against the use of disposable barbecues and those on balconies, citing the danger they pose even hours after use due to retained heat. He also emphasised the importance of properly discarding cigarettes and taking rubbish home when bins are unavailable, stressing that even a few sparks can lead to rapidly spreading fires in London's dry conditions. The fire chief noted that firefighters have responded to numerous smaller fires involving grass, trees, and gardens, adding to the pressure on emergency services.

This warning follows a surge in wildfires across London, with the London Fire Brigade recently responding to two grass fires in Rainham within 24 hours. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne further highlighted the need for public vigilance, reiterating the risks posed by disposable barbecues and careless disposal of smoking materials. The brigade has urged people to avoid barbecues in parks and ensure rubbish is properly taken away or disposed of.

The situation in London is part of a broader pattern across the UK, which has seen record-breaking temperatures, including a new national high of 40.3°C recorded in Lincolnshire. The extreme heat has led to several major fires, including a significant blaze in Wennington, east London, which destroyed homes and fields and required evacuations. The London Fire Brigade described the scale of these fires as unprecedented, with crews attending more incidents in recent heatwaves than at any other time since the Second World War. On one particularly busy day alone, firefighters responded to over 1,100 incidents.

In preparation for the increasing threat posed by hotter and drier summers, the London Fire Brigade has bolstered its capabilities with 100 additional recruits specifically trained in tackling wildfires. This year’s heatwave follows the hottest June on record, signalling the ongoing impact of the climate emergency, which emergency services anticipate will contribute to more frequent and severe fires in the future.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has commended the fire brigade for their swift and effective response during these challenging conditions, praising the “nimbleness” of the service under extraordinary pressure. Meanwhile, experts and fire officials have called the incidents a “wake-up call” on climate change, underscoring the urgent need for long-term strategies and improved preparedness as extreme weather events become more common.

The public is advised to heed warnings carefully, avoid risky behaviours with fire, and remain vigilant in protecting the capital's green spaces and residential areas from further wildfire outbreaks.

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Source: Noah Wire Services