London’s firefighters are warning of the risk of wildfires after 25 officers had to deal with a blaze at Bostall Woods in Abbey Wood last week.

With more warm and sunny weather arriving, grassfires can spread easily because of the lack of rainfall in recent weeks.

Between Friday April 4 and Monday April 7 the London Fire Brigade received calls to 75 outdoor fires, with the incident at Bostall Woods last Friday being the most serious.

Thomas Goodall, the brigade’s assistant commissioner, said: ““The risk of wildfires in London currently is heightened and this risk increases with every day that passes without rainfall. The rise in calls that we have seen in London, plus events around the country, demonstrate that it doesn’t need to be hot for fires to occur outdoors.  

“A minority of the fires we’ve attended recently are believed to have been started deliberately. What might seem like harmless fun has the ability to turn into something much more serious, particularly given current weather conditions.  

“We know that people will undoubtedly want to be out enjoying the warm sunshine, particularly as we head into the weekend. But we’re asking Londoners to behave responsibly to help reduce the risk of fires starting in the first place.  

Fire fighters pose with vehicles
Wildfire response vehicles have been drafted in. Image: London Fire Brigade

“Over the Easter holidays, parents should ensure that their children understand the fire risks to help protect our open spaces, we also urge Londoners to take steps to ensure they are not inadvertently starting a fire. They can do this by not using barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable ones, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully.”

Two of four wildfire response vehicles have been brought into service this week at Biggin Hill and Feltham fire stations, with two others coming soon to Walthamstow and Enfield. 

Tips on preventing grassfires and wildfires include not using disposable barbecues, not dropping lit cigarettes and clearing up rubbish – especially glass. There is more advice on the London Fire Brigade website.

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